NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — All of Tennessee’s licensed, major medical insurance carriers have say they'll help in the fight against COVID-19 by covering the cost of testing, according to the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance.

In addition to waiving the cost for COVID-19 testing, the Department has also requested that health carriers provide timely, accurate information, respond to consumer inquiries quickly, utilize telehealth services where available, and not use preauthorization requirements as a reason for not providing testing and treatment.

“Governor Lee has made preparedness and a swift response to the potential spread of coronavirus top priorities,” said TDCI Commissioner Hodgen Mainda. “As part of our mission, we have requested Tennessee’s health carriers to assist in facilitating prevention measures – including covering the cost of coronavirus testing – in order for our state to successfully fight the spread of this disease. I sincerely appreciate Tennessee’s health carriers for working with us to help address this challenge.”

Commissioner Mainda added, “Several insurance companies in Tennessee have already voluntarily adopted these policies, and we look forward to working with the remaining carriers in adopting this request.“