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Health Insurance Providers Respond To Coronavirus (COVID-19) posted by AHIP on September 17, 2020 share

The health and well-being of millions of Americans remains our highest priority. Health insurance providers are committed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are activating emergency plans to ensure that Americans have access to the prevention, testing, and treatment needed to handle the current situation. Click here for a one-pager to learn how we’re protecting Americans.

Here are some ways health insurance providers are taking action:

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Aetna

Aetna, a CVS Health company, will ship boxes of specially curated, over-the-counter items to all its Medicare Advantage members across the country.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and flu season begins, these Caring for You kits contain several items to help support Medicare members with simple self-care at home. Kits include a thermometer, hand sanitizer and two Aetna-branded face masks, among other items.

The Caring for You kits are a one-time liberalization of an Aetna Medicare Advantage member over-the-counter benefit. Kits will be sent to members who were enrolled on or before August 1, 2020. The kits began shipping last week and will continue throughout the fall.

Aetna has launched a new initiative as part of the Aetna Maternity Program. Building on a long-standing commitment to connect expectant moms with care that meets their unique needs, this initiative is focused specifically on preventing preeclampsia.

By leveraging data analytics, the Aetna Maternity Program identifies pregnant women with risk factors for developing the condition for individualized outreach and education. Women at high risk are sent a personalized prenatal care kit that contains educational materials along with an 81-mg bottle of low-dose aspirin, a low-cost intervention that may reduce the risk for developing the condition. Members receive an appointment reminder card encouraging them to speak with their pregnancy care provider about the potential benefits of low-dose aspirin and whether it is right for them. All pregnant members are also mailed information developed by the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine on preeclampsia and prevention steps.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented new challenges, as many expectant moms may be attending fewer in-person prenatal care visits. In turn, they may increase their risk of developing complications that go undetected.

Texas Health Aetna and MAP Health Management have collaborated to expand telehealth support services for individuals and families struggling with substance abuse.

All of the more than 110,000 people insured by Texas Health Aetna are eligible for the telephone-based service, which connects members in recovery with peer specialists who know the challenges of addiction deeply because they have faced them personally as well. The support specialists all have been trained and certified to help guide others through recovery.

Aetna has launched Time for Care, a campaign that reinforces the importance of accessing primary health care. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans have appropriately focused on staying home to keep themselves and others healthy. Although this kind of physical distancing is still an essential component of preventing the spread of COVID-19, it is critical for people to continue prioritizing health care needs.

Time for Care includes a national television ad, which launched July 15, along with a microsite, digital content, and Aetna member program components that address concerns for people with chronic health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as specific health issues such as high-risk pregnancies due to preeclampsia.

Aetna and Morning Consult initiated a national survey among 4,400 Americans to identify barriers to accessing care amid COVID-19.

Key findings include:

Nearly 60% of Americans said they have canceled or delayed a health care appointment due to concerns about exposure to COVID-19 since the crisis began

Half of Americans have concerns the crisis has negatively affected their own health or the health of someone in their household

Nearly 60% of people with chronic conditions are concerned the crisis has negatively affected their own health or the health of someone in their household

50% of pregnant mothers are not confident their primary care physicians have put the necessary measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19

Aetna, a CVS Health company, will waive out-of-pocket costs for in-network primary care and specialist telehealth visits for all Individual and Group Medicare Advantage plan members through September 30, 2020.

Aetna is extending all member cost-sharing and co-pay waivers for inpatient admissions for treatment of COVID-19 or health complications associated with COVID-19. Additionally, given the escalating mental health crisis resulting from or amplified by the pandemic, Aetna is extending all member cost-sharing waivers for in-network telemedicine visits for outpatient behavioral and mental health counseling services. These actions, which were scheduled to expire on June 1, 2020, have been extended through September 30, 2020. Aetna will continue working with self-funded plan sponsors to provide options.

Aetna is also taking additional steps to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for primary care services for Medicare Advantage members. Effective from May 13, 2020 through September 30, 2020, Aetna is waiving member out-of-pocket costs for all in-network primary care visits, whether done in-office and via telehealth, for any reason, and encourages members to continue seeking essential preventive and primary care during the pandemic.

Aetna has also extended the following actions, which were scheduled to expire on May 15, 2020, through September 30, 2020:

Waiving early refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications for all members with pharmacy benefits administered through CVS Caremark.

Continuing to encourage all members of Commercial, Medicare and Medicaid plans to take advantage of plan benefits for 90-day maintenance medication prescriptions.

The Aetna Foundation is donating $500,000 to the Americares COVID-19 Mental Health and Psychosocial Support project to help frontline health care workers, particularly those who serve low-income populations, improve their mental health awareness, knowledge and resiliency, and understand the mental health concerns impacting their patients.

The Aetna Foundation is also making a $300,000 grant to the Crisis Text Line, which provides 24/7 confidential direct mental health support for those on the frontlines, including health care workers dealing with the stress, anxiety, fear, depression and/or isolation associated with COVID-19.

Aetna, a CVS Health company, is streamlining its provider credentialing process so there can be more health care professionals caring for patients.

Aetna is also paying the amount of the cost-sharing the member would have ordinarily paid related to COVID-19 testing or inpatient treatment so there is no financial impact on the provider.

Additionally, Aetna is reimbursing all providers for telemedicine at the same rate as in-person visits for applicable telehealth codes, including for mental health care services.

Aetna is also waiving member cost-sharing for inpatient admissions at all in-network and out-of-network facilities for treatment of COVID-19 or health complications associated with COVID-19. This policy applies to all Aetna Individual and Group Medicare Advantage members and is effective March 25, 2020 for any such admission through June 1, 2020.

Aetna is also offering its Resources For Living®, its employee assistance program, to individuals and organizations who have been impacted by COVID-19, whether or not they have RFL included as part of their benefits.

Aetna is working closely with partner hospitals to help transfer and discharge members with issues unrelated to COVID-19 from hospitals to safe and clinically appropriate care settings where they can continue to have their needs addressed. This will help hospitals and emergency rooms make room for more patients, especially those suffering from COVID-19.

Aetna, a CVS Health company, will waive member cost-sharing for inpatient admissions at all in-network facilities for treatment of COVID-19 or health complications associated with COVID-19. This policy applies to all Aetna-insured commercial plan sponsors and is effective immediately for any such admission through June 1, 2020.

Aetna will waive co-pays for all diagnostic testing related to COVID-19, according to CVS Health. That includes all member costs associated with diagnostic testing for Commercial, Medicare, and Medicaid lines of business. Self-insured plan sponsors will be able to opt-out of the program at their discretion. Aetna is also offering zero co-pay telemedicine visits for any reason, and it is extending its Medicare Advantage virtual evaluation and monitoring visit benefit to all fully insured members. People diagnosed with COVID-19 will receive a care package. CVS Health is also offering several programs to help people address associated anxiety and stress.

AFLAC

AFLAC is making a $1 million donation to Crisis Text Line, a global, not-for-profit organization that specializes in mental health intervention. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, confidential support to people in crisis via SMS texting. Aflac’s donation will help fund the organization’s new campaign, For the Frontlines, aimed at helping individuals battling the COVID-19 crisis in the U.S.

AFLAC has made a $5 million donation to two organizations that are providing assistance for health care workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.

AFLAC is donating $2 million to the Global Center for Medical Innovation (GCMI), a comprehensive innovation center using innovative 3D printing to help support medical device shortages, particularly as it relates to ventilators and protective masks. GCMI works in collaboration with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Pediatric Technology Center.

The additional $3 million is going to Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and essential medical items to health workers responding to the coronavirus. Direct Relief is active in all 50 states.

Alignment Healthcare

Alignment Healthcare has launched two signature programs to address critical medical and social challenges Americans are now facing. The first is the AVA™ Personalized COVID-19 Risk Assessment tool, which provides personalized results and is now available to the public at www.alignmenthealthcare.com. The other is a crisis meal delivery program, providing two weeks of meals to members who cannot otherwise access food.

Alignment is also waiving Alignment Health Plan member cost-sharing (including, but not limited to, copays, deductibles or coinsurance) to zero for medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19. Members may receive medically necessary services from any available Medicare-certified provider or facility without prior authorization from their medical group or Alignment Health Plan.

Alignment is making sure plan benefits are available to its members from their homes such as mail-order delivery of prescription drugs. Members with a monthly over-the-counter allowance can order their items for mail delivery by phone or online.

Alignment expanded access to certain telehealth services so members can connect with a doctor by phone or video in the safety and comfort of their own home.

Additionally, Alignment offers a variety of at-home video workouts through Peerfit Move at no extra cost to its Alignment Health Plan members. Additional resources and information are available for members at www.alignmenthealthplan.com.

AllWays Health Partners

AllWays Health Partners is removing cost-sharing (copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance) for testing and copayments for treatment at in-network facilities; ensuring access to out-of-network providers for the initial COVID-19 test or treatment when no in-network providers are available; and removing all cost-sharing for telemedicine services, including virtual visits with primary care providers and specialists, and through Partners HealthCare On Demand, to enable members to seek COVID-19-related care without the need to go to medical offices.

AlohaCare

AlohaCare will fully cover medically-necessary diagnostic tests for COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

Prior authorization is not needed for diagnostic tests and covered services that are medically-necessary and follow COVID-19 CDC guidelines.

AlohaCare is donating $150,000 to local non-profit organizations that are helping at-risk families and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation includes monetary contributions to food banks across the state; 28,800 KN95 masks for health care workers at community health centers; and a grant for a new online platform to help identify areas of need in Hawaii.

AmeriHealth Caritas

AmeriHealth Caritas will cover and waive cost-sharing for testing and in-network, inpatient, acute care treatment of COVID-19.

AmeriHealth Caritas has also expanded access to telehealth services by video and phone. In several markets, to aid in the enhancement of telemedicine visits, AmeriHealth Caritas plans are also providing blood pressure monitors to persons diagnosed with hypertension, including expectant mothers.

AmeriHealth Caritas is focused on improving the health and wellbeing of underserved communities at this time of crisis and is conducting “well-check” outreach to vulnerable members and helping connect them to their providers and community resources. In select communities, AmeriHealth Cartas has also expanded the delivery of medically tailored and ready-to-eat meals and groceries to the homes of members who have been confirmed to have COVID-19 and to members at highest risk for COVID-19 complications.

AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana

AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana is helping its members stay healthy while gyms are operating at reduced capacity by providing them with a Fitbit at no cost. By giving enrollees the devices, AmeriHealth Caritas Louisiana aims to help members at particular health risk from lack of exercise continue efforts to improve their health and wellness.

AmeriHealth New Jersey

AmeriHealth New Jersey will waive members’ cost for in-network, acute in-patient treatment of COVID-19 through December 31, 2020. Cost sharing will be applied to post-acute care (e.g. skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long-term acute care facilities), outpatient treatment, prescription drugs, ambulance transportation to a post-acute setting, and out of network care.

Pre-authorization is currently not required for acute, in-network, in-patient admissions from the emergency department. Pre-authorization is also being waived for transfers from an in-patient facility to long-term ambulatory care, rehabilitation, or skilled nursing facilities, and transportation between facilities. These temporary changes to our pre-authorization policy are in effect until July 31, 2020. Facilities are still required to notify AmeriHealth New Jersey.

AmeriHealth New Jersey is expanding its temporary suspension of prior authorization for acute in-network from the emergency department to include all diagnoses (including COVID-19) and for in-network transfers and transportation between facilities.

The prior authorization expansion will stay in place until June 4.

AmeriHealth New Jersey is also offering members free access to Stop, Breathe & Think, an emotional wellness app. The free access will run until June 14.

AmeriHealth New Jersey will waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing performed at a hospital or approved laboratory. This includes members in fully insured, employer-sponsored plans and the individual and family plans available through the Affordable Care Act. Self-funded plans will be able to opt-out of the program. The company is also waiving cost-sharing for telemedicine visits available through members’ plans for the next 90 days.

Anthem

MATTER, Anthem, Inc., and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois have launched the Pandemic Response Innovation Challenge. The challenge is a global call to innovators to develop creative solutions aimed at supporting the health care needs of those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The challenge is part of Anthem and BCBSIL’s broader efforts to help reduce the strain on the health care system today, while preparing consumers and health care providers for a stronger post-COVID-19 world.

Innovators can submit their solutions to either of two tracks. The first track is seeking solutions that empower people to address their behavioral health needs, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, which can be exacerbated in times of uncertainty. The second track focuses on leveraging data from Anthem’s Digital Data Sandbox, one of the largest certified de-identified health data sets in the U.S., to improve patient care and outcomes during COVID-19 and in the future.

The Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation has granted $100,000 to Community Shelter Board, which drives strategy, accountability, collaboration, and resources to achieve the best outcomes for people facing homelessness in Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio. The grant will accelerate CSB’s rapid re-housing efforts in Central Ohio and is part of a $2 million overall commitment from Anthem Foundation to support Ohio communities through COVID-19.

Rapid rehousing has emerged as an effective solution to homelessness in cities across the country.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Ohio is giving $100,000 to the Ohio Association of Community Health Centers, who will disperse the funds to member health centers across the state.

Community health centers have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing healthcare to medically undeserved populations in rural and urban settings.

The health centers will use the funding to support COVID-19 testing in ways as varied as the regions and populations they serve. Funds will be used to secure items such as portable generators, signage, personal protective equipment, materials for mobile testing, test kits, tents, portable hand washing stations, automated temperature monitoring systems and much more.

Anthem has launched a suite of digital tools that provide in-depth, trusted, and aggregated information for multiple stakeholders to use in making informed, data-driven decisions during the COVID-19 crisis. Led by Anthem, Inc.’s new C19 Explorer and C19 Navigator, these decision support tools are also designed to assist public health officials and business leaders as they plan for re-opening and returning to the office.

Anthem is providing $2.5 billion of financial assistance to ease the burden COVID-19 is placing on affiliated health plans’ consumers and employer customers, care providers and nonprofit partners across the country.

Anthem affiliated health plans are supporting customers by providing a one-month premium credit to members enrolled in select Individual plans and fully insured employer customers ranging from 10 to 15%. In addition, individuals in stand-alone and group dental plans will also receive a 50% credit. Consumers and employer customers will receive the premium credit in July. Anthem’s health plan affiliates are also working with some employer groups on special payment arrangements as a bridge to continue to provide insurance for their employees during this difficult time.

Anthem’s health plan affiliates will continue to waive cost sharing for in-network COVID-19 related treatment for members enrolled in fully insured employer plans, Individual plans and Medicare Advantage plans through December 31, 2020. Self-insured employers who previously chose to adopt cost sharing waivers for treatment can choose to extend the waivers.

Until September 30, 2020, Anthem’s health plan affiliates will continue to allow expanded telehealth coverage, including some physical, occupational and speech therapy, and will continue to waive cost shares for in-network telehealth visits, including telephonic visits, for medical and mental health or substance abuse disorders, for fully insured employer plans, Individual plans, Medicare Advantage plans, group retiree plans and Medicaid plans, where permissible. This will also include waiving cost shares when utilizing TeleDentists®, an in-network provider with Anthem offering online and mobile-app enabled teledentistry solutions for dental care.

Anthem and its affiliated health plans are working with state partners to accelerate funds to care providers who treat the most vulnerable, particularly those with chronic conditions, behavioral health, and other special healthcare needs. Anthem’s health plan affiliates are also reaching out to Medicaid beneficiaries to facilitate connections with state and social services, helping newly eligible and at risk members enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Health plan affiliates are directly contacting hundreds of thousands of Medicare Advantage and Medicaid consumers to make sure they have necessary medications on hand, their nutritional needs are being met and critical health needs are addressed during this time of social distancing and isolation.

Anthem will continue to make a difference in improving health across the nation, including addressing health disparities facing minority and underserved communities disproportionally impacted by this pandemic and other health inequities. Anthem is focused on empowering individuals to understand and take action on the health risks that affect them, including racial and ethnic risk factors, social drivers of health and pre-existing conditions. Through efforts to collaborate with care providers, health advocates and community leaders Anthem is working to address gaps in care and provide data and resources to effect positive health outcomes for members and communities at large.

Anthem is providing funding to support care providers’ telehealth capabilities, quality-based programs and PPE, and extending additional funding to provide critical support to targeted independent primary care physician organizations and multispecialty groups who are facing financial pressure during this crisis. Additionally, Anthem is actively working with care providers to accelerate claims processing for outstanding accounts receivables, resolving claims where possible and appropriate, as well as accelerating payments to support state specific Medicaid programs.

Anthem will provide in-network dental providers a PPE Credit of $10 per patient, per visit, from June 15th through the end of August.

Anthem is simplifying access to care by temporarily suspending prior authorization requirements for respiratory services and medical equipment critical to COVID-19 treatment including Durable Medical Equipment such as oxygen supplies, respiratory devices, continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP devices, non-invasive ventilators, and multi-function ventilators.

Anthem’s health plan affiliates are temporarily extending prior authorizations on elective inpatient and outpatient procedures, issued before May 30, 2020. This will allow more flexibility in scheduling these procedures.

Anthem launched Ortho@Home, a teledentistry and at-home orthodontia program. The services are part of Anthem’s continuing commitment to providing access to affordable services that meet a person’s whole health needs, while also providing safe, remote-care during this pandemic.

The service integrates seamlessly with orthodontic network provider options and includes discounts of up to $200 off retail pricing.

Anthem has launched a virtual dental care program through a partnership with The TeleDentist, an in-network provider of virtual dental services from board-licensed dentists. The partnership provides consumers with timely access to dental care that is available 24/7, 365 days a year in the event of an emergency, with virtual exams covered at 100% with no deductibles, copays, paperwork, or claims to file through June 30.

The Anthem Foundation has distributed more than $200,000 to local organizations across Georgia that are responding to the COVID-19 crisis.

These contributions are part of a nearly $2 million commitment recently made by the Foundation as Anthem continues to support relief efforts for communities and families as they respond to the many emerging challenges associated with this public health emergency.

The Foundation has also made $260,000 in grants to Ohio-based Boys & Girls Clubs, Feeding America organizations and the Children’s Hunger Alliance to address food insecurity in the wake of COVID-19.

Anthem has donated $200,000 to United Way and Feeding America, two organizations that are crucial frontline responders to the coronavirus pandemic in California. Funds will be cascaded to food banks, shelters and other resource centers across the state that are helping struggling individuals and families access necessities amid the pandemic.

Anthem Blue Cross’s $100,000 contribution to the Feeding America COVID -19 Response Fund is helping Feeding America’s network of 17 food banks throughout California to secure resources, meet increased demand and implement extra social distancing precautions as they continue to serve the most vulnerable members of the community. This includes families dealing with school closures, those experiencing job disruptions, the elderly and disabled, people with low-incomes, those struggling with homelessness and other challenges.

Anthem Blue Cross’s $100,000 contribution to the United Way’s COVID-19 Response Fund is supporting California’s low income and vulnerable populations by ensuring families stay fed and housed amid the economic shutdown. Contributions are being used to provide food assistance, cash to pay for necessities such as rent and utilities, and even broadband access to help school children continue their education from home. Funds are also supporting the United Way’s 2-1-1 programs, which connect people with needed resources and supports. Additionally, the fund is helping many of the state’s agricultural workers, many of whom are undocumented and not eligible for federal financial relief or other resources to support their families.

Anthem’s affiliated health plans and Beacon Health Options have joined with Psych Hub, mental health advocates and other national health insurers to develop a free digital resource site to help individuals and care providers address behavioral health needs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This COVID-19 Mental Health Resource Hub provides a range of resources designed to help people, their families and care providers cope with pandemic-related stress brought on by social isolation, job loss and other challenges.

Anthem has also partnered with Aunt Bertha, a leading social care network, which helps connect individuals and families to free and reduced-cost social services in their communities. These programs include COVID-19-specific assistance, such as food delivery and help paying for bills. All consumers can access the more than 350,000 programs, which are available in every zip code across the U.S.

Anthem is waiving cost sharing payments for COVID-19 treatment. The expansion covers the waiver of cost share for COVID-19 treatment received through May 31, 2020.

Anthem is contributing $1 million to the Rapid Response Loan Fund, which was established by the Indy Chamber. The loan fund is intended to help the roughly 43,000 small business in central Indiana.

Anthem has launched the Anthem Medical Associate Volunteer Program, which is designed to allow associates with professional medical training volunteer and assist in their local community’s response to COVID-19.

In addition, Anthem suspended prior authorization requirements for patient transfers as well as for the use of medical equipment critical to COVID-19 treatment.

On March 17, Anthem also announced new resources for its members. First, it is working to accelerate the availability of a Coronavirus Assessment tool on the Sydney Care mobile app, which members can download at no cost. Second, Anthem’s affiliated plans will continue to waive copays, coinsurance and deductibles for diagnostic tests for COVID-19, and extending this to include waiver of copays, coinsurance, and deductibles for visits associated with in-network COVID-19 testing, whether the care is received in a doctor’s office, urgent care center or emergency department. Third, Anthem is relaxing early prescription refill limits for members who wish to receive a 30-day supply of most maintenance medications, where permissible. Fourth, for 90 days, Anthem plans will waive any cost sharing for telehealth visits, including visits for mental health care, for fully insured employer plans, individual plans, Medicare plans, and Medicaid plans, where permissible. This includes visits using Anthem’s telemedicine service, as well as care received from other telehealth providers delivering virtual care.

The Anthem Foundation continues to support the Red Cross, Direct Relief, Americares, and Feeding America, and has committed $50 million for COVID-19 response and recovery efforts to help areas of greatest need, including care provider safety, food insecurity, and mental and behavioral health resources. The company is also matching employee donations to the Anthem Foundation’s program.

Anthem is increasing physician availability through its telemedicine service, LiveHealth Online (LHO), including encouraging in-network doctors to join the platform, given the surge in demand. LHO is a safe and helpful way to use Anthem benefits to see a doctor and receive health guidance related to COVID-19, without leaving home or work.

Anthem will cover the cost of coronavirus testing with no out-of-pocket cost. Anthem also confirms that prior authorization is not required for diagnostic services related to COVID-19 testing. The company recommends using telehealth when possible to help prevent the spread of a virus. It is also encouraging its members to talk to their doctor about whether it is appropriate for them to change from a 30-day supply of their regular medications to a 90-day supply.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Health Advantage

The voluntary, expanded COVID-19-related benefits announced for certain Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Health Advantage fully insured health plans and individual policies will be extended to align with the federally mandated COVID-19 coverage provisions as specified in the FFCRA (Families First Coronavirus Response Act) and CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act. The federal mandate currently runs through October 23, 2020.

Temporary benefit changes include:

Covering COVID-19 diagnostic tests ordered by healthcare providers at no cost to members.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Health Advantage will cover, with no cost share to the member, the diagnostic testing services that meet primary coverage criteria for COVID-19 as defined by the CDC and ordered by the member’s healthcare provider. Currently, the only recommended screening test for COVID-19 is the RT-PCR Test, which involves swabbing the nose and/or mouth. Arkansas Blue Cross and Health Advantage will also ensure patient testing is done in close coordination with federal, state and public health authorities.

Waiving the cost-sharing for medical services for fully insured members whose primary diagnosis is COVID-19.This includes COVID-19-specific visits to an in-network medical clinic, urgent care center and/or emergency room, and inpatient treatment where COVID-19 is the primary diagnosis.

Temporarily enhancing access to maintenance prescription medications and extending prior authorizations on many medications for 90-day supplies. Arkansas Blue Cross and Health Advantage will also work to implement prescription drug formulary flexibility to respond to medication shortages or access issues.

Encouraging members to access virtual health and nurse/provider hotlines.

Given the nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, seeking in-person medical care may lead to further spreading of the virus.

Usual member costs (copays, coinsurance and deductibles) are temporarily being waived for telemedicine visits with in-network physicians (M.D.s, D.O.s), advance practice nurse practitioners and physician assistants. This includes wellness/preventative visits. To schedule a telehealth visit with a physician, members should contact the physician office to see if she/he is seeing patients via telemedicine. Members who do not have a physician may visit arkansasbluecross.com and select Find Care to choose a physician.

Similarly, Arkansas Blue Cross and Health Advantage has added coverage (without copays, deductibles and coinsurance) for teledentistry.

Arkansas BlueCross BlueShield has extended its temporary COVID-19 benefits until at least August 17. The benefits include waiving member cost sharing payments for COVID-19 treatment, covering diagnostic COVID-19 testing at no cost to members, and waiving out-of-pocket costs for telemedicine counseling from in-network behavioral health professionals.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Health Advantage has extended the waiver on telehealth out-of-pocket costs through July 25, 2020. The waiver for cost-sharing payments for medical services for fully insured members whose primary diagnosis is COVID-19 has also been extended to July 25, 2020.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Health Advantage are covering any illness related to the coronavirus that results in a need for standard covered medical treatment. There will be no prior authorizations for COVID-19 diagnostic tests and for covered services that meet primary coverage criteria and are consistent with CDC guidance. They will cover COVID-19 diagnostic testing and testing services at no cost to members. They are waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications and encouraging members to use their 90-day mail-order benefit. Arkansas Blue Cross will also ensure formulary flexibility if there are shortages or access issues. Members are encouraged to use virtual health and nurse/provider hotlines.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Health Advantage are waiving costs their fully insured members would normally have to pay for telehealth services related to physical and/or behavioral health when received from an in-network provider.

The waivers will be in place through at least May 15, 2020.

The Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas is donating $500,000 in support of immediate needs around food insecurity in the state and opening the “Rapid-Response COVID Relief” grant process to award up to $1.7 million in grants supporting nonprofit organizations that have experienced the consequences of COVID-19.

The Rapid-Response COVID Relief Grants program is designed to help eligible organizations lessen the impact of the Covid-19 virus on the individuals, families, and communities they serve.

Aspire Health Plan

Aspire Health Plan is waiving all co-pays related to COVID-19 testing. Aspire is also making its telehealth benefit available for no copay.

Avera Health Plans

Avera Health Plans has extended its waiver of member cost-share payments related to COVID-19 treatment when seeking care from an in-network provider through Sept. 30, 2020.

Avera Health Plans is waiving the member cost for all applicable telehealth services through December 31, 2020. Members receiving applicable telehealth services from participating providers during this period will have their normal cost-share waived regardless if the telehealth visit is directly related to COVID-19 or not.

Avera Health Plans will waive members’ cost-share related to the treatment of COVID-19 (co-pay, coinsurance and deductible) when seeking care from an in-network provider through June 30, 2020.

Avera Health Plans is waiving member costs for all telehealth benefits through June 14.

Avera is also waiving early refill limits on maintenance drugs to allow access to an additional 30-day supply.

AvMed

AvMed is extending its waivers of out-of-pocket costs for all COVID-19 treatment until Sept. 30, 2020. AvMed will also administer a waiver for self-funded group health plans at their request. The treatments covered at no out-of-pocket cost for COVID-19 are those covered under Medicare or other applicable state regulations.

AvMed is also offering zero copays and cost share for any and all types of virtual visits until Sept. 30, 2020. Additionally, where applicable, copays and cost share will be waived for telehealth visits, as well as telephone visits, members may need from their traditional healthcare providers.

AvMed is extending COVID-19 benefits and coverage until July 31, 2020. That includes zero-cost diagnostic testing, zero-cost treatment, and zero-cost virtual visits

AvMed is waiving out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 treatments for its fully-insured commercial and Medicare Advantage members through May 31, 2020. In addition, AvMed will continue to provide its members with zero-dollar diagnostic testing, zero-dollar virtual visits, including behavioral health, and waiver of specialist referral requirements.

AvMed will cover diagnostic testing for COVID-19 at no cost-sharing if it is determined that test is needed. AvMed, in partnership with CVS Health, will also be waiving early refill limits on 30-day prescriptions for maintenance medications and providing home delivery of all prescription medications free of charge. It is also encouraging the use of telehealth services.

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Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association’s network of 36 independent and locally-operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program® have committed nearly $3 billion to date in support of members, health care workers and local communities to aid in the ongoing fight against COVID-19.

Independent and locally-operated Blue Cross Blue Shield companies across the country and the BCBS Federal Employee Program® (FEP®) have decided to waive cost-sharing for treatment of COVID-19 through May 31. This includes coverage for testing and treatment administered, including for inpatient hospital stays.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Association announced that its network of 36 independent and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies will waive prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and covered services for COVID-19, cover those tests at no cost share to members, waive prescription refill limits on maintenance medications, and expand access to telehealth and nurse/provider hotlines. This applies to fully insured, individual, and Medicare Advantage plan members, and plans are working with state Medicaid and CHIP agencies to ensure people have access to needed testing and services.

All 36 independent and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are also waiving cost sharing for telehealth services for fully insured members for the next 90 days.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has paid, contributed and made available $230 million in the ongoing fight against COVID-19 supporting its members, employer customers, providers, and the community across Alabama.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is committed to giving back to communities statewide to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has made contributions in support of food scarcity, small business loans, personal protective equipment and meals for healthcare workers, and other relief efforts across the state. Some programs receiving support include: United Way Meals on Wheels, Alabama Food Bank, Birmingham Strong, American Red Cross, Alabama Department of Public Health, Jefferson County Department of Health, and other local community foundations.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is expanding telehealth coverage. This expansion allows physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and behavioral health practitioners to provide medically necessary services via telephone consultation.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is also waiving prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and covered services that are medically necessary and consistent with CDC guidance for members diagnosed with COVID-19.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is covering medically necessary COVID-19 diagnostic tests at no cost to members with fully insured, individual, employer-based, Federal Employee Program, and Medicare Advantage plans.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has contributed $10,000 to assist the Navajo Nation in Arizona in its efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus. The funds will help the tribe purchase critical medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) that can help prevent the continued spread of COVID-19.

The reservation has one of the highest per-capita rates of COVID-19 infections in the country, with more than 4,000 confirmed cases in Arizona. Funds provided by BCBSAZ will directly benefit the Navajo Nation’s Dikos Ntsaaígíí-19 (COVID-19) relief efforts as tribal leaders continue working to reduce infection rates.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is launching a loan program for healthcare providers, including qualifying hospitals and physicians across Arizona who have been impacted by COVID-19. The Claim Payment Advance program will allow certain providers to receive a three-month loan to help ease the strain on cash flow so they can continue to provide medical care to Arizonans.

As BCBSAZ analyzed claims payments in 2020 and compared them to the same period last year, claims costs in aggregate were actually running higher until just last week, when the first year-over-year reduction was experienced. Even though elective surgeries were down, the reduction in claims costs wasn’t immediately evident due to increased costs in other areas, including:

33% increase in behavioral health visits

3,200% spike in telemedicine visits

22% increase in prescription costs

Enhanced benefit payments at 100% for telehealth and COVID-19 claims

Physician specialists are the hardest hit, with revenue declines down nearly 6%. To help stabilize the Arizona healthcare system, up to $10 million in loans will be made available to Arizona medical physicians and hospitals. Among the qualifications for the Claim Payment Advance program, providers must be in the BCBSAZ network, have experienced at least a 33% reduction in claims for fully insured plans, and be in good standing with professional licensing boards, and with BCBSAZ.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Sharecare are collaborating to help all Arizonans better manage stress, anxiety, and burnout. With an estimated 230% increase in worry among Americans due to the pandemic, BCBSAZ is providing all Arizonans with 90 days of free access to Sharecare’s Unwinding Anxiety, which is clinically proven to decrease anxiety within three months.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has announced a new program to support primary care providers across the state during the COVID-19 pandemic. PCPs participating in the BCBSAZ Patient Centered Medical Home program can now receive partial prepayment of their estimated annual quality incentive payment. These advances will help BCBSAZ PCMH providers cover monetary shortfalls due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona along with Phoenix Suns Charities, donated $80,000 to purchase 5,000 COVID-19 antibody test kits for first responders.

The antibody tests are designed to help determine if first responders have been exposed to COVID-19 and developed antibodies for the disease, even if they have not experienced any symptoms. The test results will give first responders yet another piece of critical information to help them understand more about their exposure and risks of spreading the virus.

BCBSAZ will waive cost sharing for insured members who receive care for COVID-19 related treatment from in-network providers through May 2020. This impacts BCBSAZ fully insured groups, individual policies, and Medicare members.

More than 20 medically qualified Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona employees have volunteered to assist in providing care and treatment to COVID-19 patients in healthcare facilities. The company will support trained healthcare specialists from BCBSAZ and its subsidiary, Health Choice Arizona, in returning to practice as physicians, nurses, and pharmacists to care for those in need.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona will waive prior authorizations for medically necessary covered services for members diagnosed with COVID-19. Members will pay no cost-share for medically necessary diagnostic tests related to COVID-19. It will waive the member cost share for telehealth sessions, and expand access to telehealth and nurse/provider hotlines. It will increase access to prescription medications by waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications (consistent with a member’s benefit plan) and/or encouraging members to use their 90-day mail order benefit. BCBSAZ will also work with members to find alternative covered medications if there are shortages or access issues. Patients will not be liable for additional cost share for a non-preferred medication if the preferred medication is not available due to shortage or access issues.

Blue Shield of California

Blue Shield of California announced a new “Primary Care Reimagined” program that provides in-network physician groups access to an array of latest technologies to enhance their delivery of care, and new reimbursement models that provide more predictable cash flow for the physician practices.

The program was spurred by the COVID-19 crisis that has placed significant challenges on physician practices while the health care delivery system is experiencing changes including expanded telehealth and virtual care.

The program is initially being offered to select physician groups throughout California. The reimbursement model includes set monthly payments per member as well as additional financial incentive payments for achieving quality outcomes and positive member experiences.

The new services offered to participating physician practices will include shared decision-making, virtual care, community health advocates, real-time claims payment initiative, and practice-level consulting services. These services are part of Blue Shield’s Health Reimagined initiative that seeks to transform the healthcare system with innovative ideas and technologies by working with medical providers, employers and community leaders.

Blue Shield of California has announced the “Neighborhood Health Dashboard,” an online tool to advance public health services, increase transparency around community health, and help address health disparities in California.

The Neighborhood Health Dashboard uses data intelligence from dozens of sources to create a comprehensive picture of a community’s health including: health outcomes, preventative health care, utilization and access, health behaviors, social risk factors, and environment and economic health conditions.

Most recently, the platform was used to produce California’s Vulnerability Index, which focuses on social and economic vulnerability of communities to start conversations about equitably prioritizing the allocation of resources for COVID-19 recovery efforts. In addition to the health impact of the COVID-19 crisis on different communities, the report also considers which areas are likely to have a more difficult time recovering from the coronavirus-related shutdowns, job reductions and layoffs.

Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky Initiative, in partnership with DoSomething.org – the largest organization for young people and social change – has launched a first-of-its-kind digital mental health guide for youth, created for students by students. The guide provides young people with peer-to-peer tips on self-care, managing stress from digital learning, and supporting the mental health of fellow classmates.

With COVID-19 disrupting schooling for more than 55 million students across the United States, DoSomething.org, and the BlueSky initiative called on their members to submit advice to help students during these difficult times.

Blue Shield of California is teaming up with artists in nine counties to create original artwork as part of an education and awareness campaign that offers support and encouragement during the COVID-19 crisis to members who face health-related challenges.

More than 200,000 Blue Shield members, ages 35 to 64, will receive customized-art postcards over the next two weeks that encourage them to build healthy habits, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. For example, taking advantage of the nonprofit health plan’s Wellvolution program to better manage stress, treat existing conditions, and improve mental and physical health.

Wellvolution offers members more than 50 digitally driven health programs to choose from, which address specific health goals, conditions and health risks, and the program is available to most Blue Shield members at no additional cost. This outreach campaign is the latest example of Blue Shield’s efforts to help members prioritize their health from the convenience and safety of their homes to prevent, treat or even reverse chronic conditions.

Blue Shield of California will waive copays, coinsurance, and deductibles for COVID-19 treatments received between March 1 – December 31, 2020.

Blue Shield will also continue to cover costs for virtual care (medical and behavioral) services provided by Teladoc Health through December 31, 2020.

Blue Shield of California is extending its commitment to waive co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles for treatment for COVID-19. It will also continue to cover costs for virtual care (medical and behavioral) services provided by Teladoc Health through Sept. 30, 2020. The plan will also continue to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 screening and testing in accordance with applicable state and federal law.

Blue Shield of California has provided $300,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations providing mental health supports in San Diego and Alameda counties. This builds on the company’s multi-year, $10 million investment in youth mental health.

The $300,000 will be divided into 18 different grants – nine each in Alameda and San Diego counties.

Blue Shield of California has teamed up with DoSomething.org, the largest organization for young people and social change in the nation, to develop a first-of-its-kind mental health guide to help youth cope with stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 crisis.

The three-month digital campaign, will include text, email, and social media activations to DoSomething.org’s millions of members, encouraging young people across the U.S. to share their tips to help combat anxiety, especially during COVID-19.The idea is to reduce stigma, raise awareness, and encourage youth to seek help.

The campaign is in addition to the resources developed and offered by Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky initiative, a multi-year effort to enhance awareness, advocacy, and access to mental health support for middle and high school students in California and beyond.

Blue Shield of California is providing $100,000 support to MedShare, a San Francisco Bay area nonprofit organization that donates personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies to nonprofit community healthcare providers.

Blue Shield of California is offering a digital tool at no additional cost for its nearly 350 in-network hospitals to help them triage the influx of patients seeking advice on coronavirus or other medical care via their websites.

Blue Shield is also donating $500,000 to the Oakland COVID-19 Relief Fund to support, among its projects, pop-up coronavirus testing sites organized by Brown & Toland Physicians that will prioritize medical providers and first responders.

Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, which serves Medi-Cal and Medicare beneficiaries, is giving $100,000 sponsorship funds to community health providers in Los Angeles and San Diego counties.

Blue Shield of California is providing up to $200 million in direct support to health care providers and hospitals through financing guarantees, advance payments, and restructuring of contracts.

Blue Shield is working with two financial institutions to help providers with guaranteed loans and to make advanced payments to them on anticipated healthcare costs. The plan is to offer favorable repayment terms to help providers get through the next six months.

Blue Shield of California will cover members’ coinsurance, copayments and deductibles for COVID-19 medical treatments through May 31, 2020.

Blue Shield of California will waive all cost-sharing and any prior approval for COVID-19 testing for fully insured commercial and Medi-Cal plans. This includes cost-sharing for hospital, urgent care, emergency room, and office visits where the visit is to screen or test for the virus. Blue Shield also will not require prior authorization for medically necessary emergency care. Blue Shield is working closely with self-funded plan sponsors to confirm coverage levels for their employees. Blue Shield is closely monitoring impact to prescription drug supply and will take immediate steps to ensure members have access to medications. It is encouraging use of telehealth services.

Blue Shield of California also announced it will waive out-of-pocket costs for most members to use Teladoc Health’s virtual care service. Costs will be waived until May 31 in Individual & Family and employer-sponsored plans that offer Teladoc. Members enrolled in Blue Shield’s Trio, Tandem and Medicare Advantage plans, plus Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan enrollees, already enjoy $0 out-of-pocket costs for Teladoc Health services.

Blue Cross of Idaho

Blue Cross of Idaho is extending telehealth services for its members throughout the state until December 31, 2020. Members may continue to receive telehealth services via phone or video call from all in-network providers throughout Idaho.

Additionally, Blue Cross of Idaho members can access MDLIVE, the company’s telehealth partner. MDLIVE provides a primary care platform via mobile device or computer for Blue Cross of Idaho members to access convenient, secure and cost-effective options for accessing preventive, chronic and other primary care services.

Blue Cross of Idaho has processed more than 90,500 telehealth claims since expanding telehealth access on March 19, 2020. During the week of January 27-February 2, 2020, Blue Cross of Idaho processed 108 telehealth claims. That number increased to 10,718 telehealth claims between April 6-April 19, 2020 – 118 times more than the weekly average for the first 3 months of the year.

Blue Cross of Idaho has created a program to allow independent providers, such as private-practice physician groups, an opportunity to receive advance payments to cover monetary shortfalls due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Blue Cross of Idaho will make advance payments to the provider once per month in April, May and June. The company will recover the interest-free payments during the fourth quarter of 2020.

Blue Cross of Idaho is also waiving all member cost-sharing for treatment of COVID-19. Members will not pay anything out-of-pocket – including copays, deductibles or coinsurance – for testing for COVID-19, for the medical visits related to testing, or treatment of COVID-19. Waiving of cost-sharing for coverage of treatment for COVID-19 applies through June 30, 2020.

Blue Cross of Idaho has waived all cost-sharing for doctor’s office and urgent care visits related to testing for COVID-19. This decision applies to individual and fully insured members on employer plans. Blue Cross of Idaho has also expanded access to MDLIVE, the company’s telehealth partner. The new telehealth benefits are being offered at no additional premium cost to those members.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois

MATTER, Anthem, Inc., and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois have launched the Pandemic Response Innovation Challenge. The challenge is a global call to innovators to develop creative solutions aimed at supporting the health care needs of those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The challenge is part of Anthem and BCBSIL’s broader efforts to help reduce the strain on the health care system today, while preparing consumers and health care providers for a stronger post-COVID-19 world.

Innovators can submit their solutions to either of two tracks. The first track is seeking solutions that empower people to address their behavioral health needs, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, which can be exacerbated in times of uncertainty. The second track focuses on leveraging data from Anthem’s Digital Data Sandbox, one of the largest certified de-identified health data sets in the U.S., to improve patient care and outcomes during COVID-19 and in the future.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has extended cost-sharing waivers for COVID-19 treatment for members of all fully insured group, individual, Medicare (excluding Part D), Medicare Supplement, and Medicaid plans through August 31, 2020.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has selected 75 organizations to receive $1.5 million in funding as part of the BCBSIL COVID-19 Community Collaboration Fund. The Fund supports organizations that are providing critical services in the areas of access to health care, hunger and shelter.

Of the 75 grant recipients, 25 represent and address each focus area: hunger, shelter and access to health care.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has opened a $1.5 million funding program to support community-based organizations with missions focused on access to health care, hunger and shelter. The BCBSIL COVID-19 Community Collaboration Fund will release $20,000 grants to organizations around the state. The program is designed to distribute the funds quickly to respond to the current health crisis.

BCBSIL is also supporting non-profit organizations that serve our most vulnerable neighbors through a $1 million donation to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund and $500,000 to the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund.

BCBSIL has also purchased and donated 150,000 KN95 masks, to meet the urgent need for personal protective equipment. The masks were donated to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency for distribution to providers most in need.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is temporarily lifting cost sharing payments for medically necessary health services delivered through telehealth. This applies to all fully insured members whose benefit plan included telehealth benefits. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has also added 18 additional telehealth procedure codes that health care providers may use when billing Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois for medically necessary health care services, including codes for behavioral health therapy.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois also launched a dedicated microsite with information for members, providers on COVID-19.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has extended cost-sharing waivers for telehealth services for COVID-19 treatment until December 31, 2020.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is also waiving cost-sharing for treatment of COVID-19 until December 31, 2020.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas will continue waiving member cost sharing, including co-pays and deductibles, until June 30 for the following services:

Telehealth services for any visit that is medically reasonable to be done using this technology. This includes, but is not limited to, medical visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. The visit does not have to be specific to COVID-19 testing. The use of telehealth will help to lower the spread of germs while allowing members to continue to get the care they need.

Early refills on prescription medications will be allowed until June 30; however, they will still be subject to co-pays and deductibles.

Treatment of COVID-19, which includes coverage for testing and treatment administered at a doctor’s office, urgent care facility and emergency room, as well as inpatient hospital stays. This only applies to fully insured members, along with those who receive their insurance through Medicare Advantage plans.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas will also continue covering the following services with no member cost sharing for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency:

Medically necessary diagnostic tests related to COVID-19 and the cost of the visit to doctor’s office, urgent care, telehealth, and emergency room used for diagnostic testing of COVID-19.

Related services (flu tests, respiratory illness tests) provided during urgent care, emergency room, or in-person or telehealth provider visits that result in an order for or administration of a covered diagnostic test for COVID-19.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas will expand coverage for telehealth services, which includes waiving cost-sharing for all telehealth services for members.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City has committed nearly $18 million in financial relief to support employer groups, members, and providers experiencing unexpected financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This financial support supplements the measures Blue KC has put in place to ensure its members are able to receive the care they need during the COVID-19 emergency period.

Blue KC will be working with broker partners to deploy a suite of financial assistance programs for eligible employers that will include credits of certain health care premiums. Programs will be introduced starting August 2020, with others spanning into the summer of 2021 to provide more long-term relief.

Blue KC will also advance August and September 2020 value-based payments to health care providers who participate in Blue KC’s Advanced Primary Care Program. These advanced payments, which will be made in July 2020, are aimed at helping these specific provider groups as they recover from the financial burden experienced during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Blue KC is also continuing to waive member cost sharing for in-network primary care physician and specialty visits for Medicare Advantage members through December 31, 2020.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City has partnered with The Battle Within to provide Kansas City healthcare providers, first responders, and military veterans with cost-free virtual or in-person behavioral healthcare through the Frontline Therapy Network.

The Frontline Therapy Network’s licensed providers are qualified to provide care to the Kansas City medical personnel, first responders, and veterans on the trauma, stress, discomfort, grief, or other mental health concerns they are experiencing on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City is waiving all member cost sharing and copayments for inpatient hospital admissions due to the diagnosis of COVID-19. This policy will remain in place through June 30, 2020 and applies to insured Blue KC plans.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City will waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and eliminate prior authorizations for COVID-19 services. The company is waiving refill limits for 30-day maintenance medications, as well as fees for urgent/sick virtual care visits. It is offering same- or next-day therapy appointments to help ease anxiety about coronavirus.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation has granted more than $4 million to 95 nonprofits across the state working to meet the needs of communities in response to COVID-19 since mid-March.

Efforts supported through Foundation grant funding include:

Providing food to kids, financially insecure families and seniors

Supporting healthcare needs, including securing critical supplies for providers, connecting individuals to care and mental health resources

Funding direct economic support , housing assistance and keeping families financially stable

Sustaining essential services disproportionately affected by stay-at-home orders, such as sober housing, services for sexual assault victims and a limited scope of education-related services

Supporting regional groups organizing disaster response in communities across Louisiana, and supporting nonprofits through community relief funds operated by local community foundations

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana has created an online, multimedia toolkit for Louisiana employers to address common questions about returning to work and share information from medical directors and others.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana has made more than $3.1 million in grants to 70 non-profit organizations since mid-March.

The grants have included:

$1 million for providing food to kids, financially insecure families and seniors

$160,000 to support healthcare needs, including securing critical supplies for providers, connecting individuals to care and mental health resources

$780,000 to provide support for direct economic support funds, housing assistance and keeping families financially stable

$630,000 for regional groups organizing disaster response in communities across Louisiana, and support of nonprofits through community relief funds operated by local community foundations

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana data and analytics team members have worked closely with the Louisiana Department of Health to aggregate, analyze and model diverse data for Blue Cross members and members of state Medicaid plans, representing two out of three Louisianans. This lets them make projections about rates of hospitalization and death, healthcare facilities’ capacity and proper allocation of crucial medical resources. This information is shared with state officials to assist in planning COVID-19 mitigation measures.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is making medical or behavioral health online visits with BlueCare, the insurer’s signature telehealth platform, available for $0.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

BlueCross BlueShield of Massachusetts will return $101 million in premium refunds and anticipated rebates to its customers and members as a result of lower than anticipated health care costs during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The refunds are in addition to the $116 million Blue Cross has invested to support its members, customers, clinical partners, and the community throughout the crisis, bringing the company’s COVID-related financial commitments to more than $217 million.

Credits will be applied in September and reflected on the next invoice for fully insured employer groups and members (including under-65 direct pay and Medex members) and will total 15% of their May 2020 medical premium. Before the end of the year, Medicare Advantage members will receive a one month “premium holiday” during which they will not be charged their monthly premium.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will waive copayments, co-insurance, or deductibles for all medically necessary COVID-19 related care, care received at doctor’s offices, urgent care centers, and emergency departments, for the duration of the Massachusetts health emergency.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will also waive member cost share (copayments, co-insurance, and deductibles) for COVID-19 related inpatient care at both in- and out-of-network acute care facilities for our fully insured members, also for the duration of the Massachusetts health emergency.

Member cost sharing for telehealth service with in-network providers has also been waived for the duration of the Massachusetts health emergency.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has launched a series of new initiatives to ensure that members have timely access to high-quality, affordable mental health care. Access to mental health services is a serious issue across the country and has become even more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic.The initiatives include: Supporting newer, more convenient mental health care options by reimbursing telehealth sessions performed by mental health specialists at the same rate as in-person visits beyond the current COVID-19 public health emergency. This includes both video and telephonic telehealth services. Expanding member access to telehealth coverage for psychiatric care on the national telehealth platform. Expanding the number of child psychiatrists available to members by increasing reimbursement rates by 50% for child psychiatrists who participate in a new incentive program. Offering new financial incentives for primary care physicians to integrate mental health care into their practices with the goal of improving members’ physical and mental health outcomes. Expanding access to an innovative online program to help members better manage anxiety and stress. Adding 2,000 new clinicians to the Blue Cross mental health network to provide members with more options for their care. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has distributed its 50,000th meal as part of its Community Meal Program in partnership with Lovin’ Spoonfuls. The program, now in its 10th week, was created to address the rising rate of food insecurity across Massachusetts due to COVID-19. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is expanding access to an innovative online program for stress, anxiety and depression. The program, called Learn to Live, helps members address their mild to moderate anxiety, depression, insomnia or substance use and improve their overall emotional health. Previously, Learn to Live was available to members whose employers purchased the benefit. Now, Blue Cross is making the program available to all fully insured customers and members. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts has processed more than one million telehealth claims in the nine weeks since changing its policy to expand coverage for telephone and virtual visits at no cost to members during the COVID-19 crisis. In February 2020, Blue Cross received approximately 200 telehealth claims per day. Now, the health plan is receiving more than 38,000 per day. Blue Cross is reimbursing telehealth services at the same rate as in-person visits for the duration of the Massachusetts public health emergency. Nearly half the telehealth visits since the crisis began have been for mental health services, including psychotherapy. To help meet this unprecedented demand, Blue Cross has added more than 400 new mental health clinicians to its network since March 1 via its expedited emergency credentialing and enrollment process. This brings the total number of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, family therapists and other mental health clinicians – most of whom are now offering telehealth services – to nearly 15,000. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is re-deploying a portion of its employees to work with the Community Tracing Collaborative and Boston Hope field hospital, two key elements of the state’s COVID-19 response. More than 100 Blue Cross employees will be temporarily re-deployed as contact tracers for the Boston-based global health nonprofit Partners in Health at the collaborative. Contact tracers will call Massachusetts residents who have been in contact with people infected with COVID-19 and support them through quarantine. Fifteen Blue Cross registered nurses are supporting the care of patients at the Boston Hope field hospital seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The facility, now operating in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, provides care to low acuity COVID-19 patients to ensure beds in Boston hospitals are available for the most serious coronavirus cases and other critical patients. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has launched “We Are Mighty, Massachusetts,” a campaign that celebrates our Commonwealth’s resiliency and unity in the fight against COVID-19. #WeAreMightyMA launches today with a video that shares an inspiring message of collective action across Massachusetts and celebrates the innumerable ways individuals have shown resolve and solidarity since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Blue Cross also invites individuals to shine a spotlight on those making a difference across the Commonwealth by sharing “mighty” stories and unsung efforts using the hashtag #WeAreMightyMA across social media channels. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has processed 180,000 telehealth claims since changing its policy to both expand coverage for telephone and virtual visits and reimburse them at the same rate as in-person visits during the COVID-19 state of emergency. The March telehealth claims figure is a 3600% increase over February and a 5100% increase over the monthly average for 2019. In March Blue Cross made payments of nearly $800 million to physician and hospitals, including more than 50,000 new claims for COVID-19 testing and care, totaling approximately $10 million. Additionally, Blue Cross is accelerating payments to provider groups participating in its Alternative Quality Contract (AQC). Under normal circumstances, these incentive payments would have been made in late 2020 or early 2021. This direct financial support is intended to assist providers with the financial pressures associated with the COVID-19 public health emergency. Blue Cross has also developed a new expedited credentialing and enrollment process for practitioners, designed to speed health plan approval within 72 hours. The Public Health Emergency Provider Credentialing and Enrollment Process includes a simplified, one-page application and essential documentation requirements consistent with conditions for licensure with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine. Approval under this expedited process is time-limited and in effect for the duration of the Massachusetts public health emergency. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts is reallocating more than $1.75 million in community investments and strategic sponsorships to expedite unrestricted cash to help nonprofits meet operational challenges, including: Committing $550,000in relief grants to nonprofits providing frontline aid including access to food, basic needs and critical support for first responders, health care and retail workers; Lifting funding restrictions on $520,000of committed funds to ensure nonprofits have the flexibility to address critical challenges; and Leveraging a $300,000 commitment to Blue Cross’ Healthy Living Collaborative partners, including Codman Square Health Center and East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, to meet pressing community health challenges. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has removed prior authorization requirements and moved to a notification-only requirement for inpatient levels of care including Acute, Long Term Acute (LTAC), Acute and Subacute Rehabilitation (Rehab), and Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) admissions. Medical necessity reviews will not be performed for these inpatient levels of care through June 23, 2020. Notifications by facilities will allow Blue Cross nurses to assist members during their care transitions, including to the home. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has donated $100,000 to the Boston Resiliency Fund and an additional $150,000 to relief efforts across Massachusetts. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will cover the costs of diagnostic testing for COVID-19 for fully insured members. Self-funded groups will have the ability to opt-in. The company will also cover the cost of a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available, and will waive co-payments for COVID-19 treatment at doctor’s offices, emergency rooms and urgent care centers. It is removing administrative barriers such as prior authorizations and referrals, waiving copays for its telehealth platform, and allowing early access to refills of prescription medications.



Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is donating $1 million for the procurement and distribution of emergency personal protective equipment (PPE) to support dentists and patients statewide amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

The funds will be used to acquire $1 million worth of PPE for the assembly and distribution of safety kits to help protect dentists, dental staff and patients against the transmission of COVID-19 while dental care services are being performed. Each kit will contain NIOSH-approved KN-95 masks, disposable isolation gowns with cuffs and bouffant hair caps. The kits will be shipped to dentists who practice and primarily serve patients throughout Michigan.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will waive 30% of one month of health and dental plan premiums for more than 180,000 active, commercially insured individual health plan subscribers this fall. Totaling more than $21 million, the refunds will be delivered in the form of premium credits on November invoices, pending approval of plans filed with state regulators this week. The credits are a response to lower than expected health care claims resulting from the disruption in the delivery of health and dental services caused by the COVID-19 crisis.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network will provide their members no-cost treatment for COVID-19 disease through Dec. 31, 2020. The cost share waivers apply to members in fully insured commercial PPO and HMO plans, as well as individuals in fully insured Medicare Advantage plans. BCBSM will work with employer group customers that are self-insured to make decisions regarding their own benefits.

BCBSM estimates that it will spend between $23 million to $43 million in providing these additional benefits – bringing the company’s total investment in additional benefits for members to nearly $150 million during the pandemic.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network will be returning more than $100 million to many fully insured customers this year. The refunds are in addition to $494 million that BCBSM has invested in expanding the availability of no-cost benefits for members and to support health providers in response to COVID-19 – bringing the BCBSM enterprise’s commitment in response to the crisis to nearly $600 million.

BCBSM will be providing the following relief to customers and members with Blue Cross and Blue Care Network health plans:

Fully insured small group customers with 50 or fewer employees will receive a 30% credit on their July premium invoice. All told, BCBSM is providing about $37 million back to small group customers for their medical plans.

Low rate adjustments for small group customers. BCBSM filed 2021 small group rates last week with state regulators that average 0.9% more for PPO plans and 1.95% more for HMO plans.

Blue Dental and Blue Vision employer group customers will be sharing a total refund of about $10.5 million. All fully insured groups with dental and vision coverage will receive a one-month premium refund to be credited on their July invoice. BCBSM also will not increase rates for fully insured customers renewing dental and vision plans for 2021.

Individual health plan members from 2019 will receive a one-time rebate resulting from lower than expected health care claims. Altogether, about $45 million will be paid directly to these 2019 individual plan subscribers in September. Rebates are determined based on each subscriber’s plan and premiums paid in 2019. Rebate amounts will vary by subscriber.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement) and individual Medicare Advantage members in a plan with a premium above $0 will receive a 15% premium refund for the months of March and April to be applied to their July premium bill. This refund totals about $15 million to Medigap and Individual Medicare Advantage members. For Individual Medicare Advantage members this includes their Optional Supplemental Buy-up (if applicable).

BCBSM is also providing $494 million in additional support to members and providers:

Medicare Advantage member cost share waivers will be provided through December 31 for BCBSM and BCN Medicare Advantage members. On May 7, BCBSM became the first health plan in Michigan to announce that it would waive cost sharing for Medicare Advantage members for all services provided during in-person primary care visits, for in-person behavioral health services and for telemedicine access. The projected value of these no-cost services will save BCBSM and BCN Medicare Advantage members $10 million.

COVID-19 testing and treatment cost share waivers and no-cost telehealth services will continue to be provided through June 30 to enable free access to physician-directed COVID-19 testing and treatment for commercially insured members. The projected value of these no-cost services will save members $97 million. BCBSM was the first health plan in Michigan to announce testing and treatment for COVID-19 at no cost, along with no-cost telehealth access for both medical and behavioral health services during the first wave of the pandemic period.

Advance funding for health providers. BCBSM pulled forward $87 million in earned incentive payments to Michigan physicians to enable them to operate, purchase testing supplies, enhance treatment services for COVID-19 patients and expand telehealth services. BCBSM also decided to continue planned payments to health systems, totaling about $300 million, despite disruptions in claim volume. This enabled Michigan health systems to continue operating with a stable revenue stream during a time of significant disruption in their ability to deliver services.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are launching new telehealth programs with behavioral health providers, so Blue members who are interested in participating in group sessions to discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental health can share their experiences with others under the guidance of a trained therapist. The programs are available for free to members with Blue Cross and Blue Care Network behavioral health coverage through June 30.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network of Michigan will waive cost-sharing for Medicare Advantage members through December 31 for certain specific services that enable seniors to consult with their doctors and therapists about their health needs, both in-person and virtually. Members in BCBSM and BCN Medicare Advantage plans will be assured of no copays, coinsurance or deductibles for the following in-network services, from May 1 through Dec. 31, 2020:

In-person primary care services

Behavioral health office visits

Telehealth services for both medical and behavioral health

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is offering full salary and benefits to employees with medical backgrounds who volunteer to work in the coronavirus field hospital being constructed at the TCF Center in Detroit.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is accelerating payments to Michigan-based physician organizations and practices to support their efforts for treating patients with COVID-19. Additionally, BCBSM is relaxing some of its administrative requirements to allow Michigan’s physician organizations and health systems to spend more time treating patients and hasten their diagnoses and treatment.

The accelerated funding is available to the more than 40 physician organizations that are a part of Blue Cross’ Physician Group Incentive Program (PGIP), including over 20,000 primary care and specialist physicians throughout Michigan.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are waiving all member copays, deductibles and coinsurance for COVID-19 testing and treatment. The coverage applies to commercial PPO, Medicare Advantage PPO and HMO plans.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network of Michigan will further expand access to prescription drug refills for members in order to comply with an executive order issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to expand access to prescription drug refills during the COVID-19 public health crisis. Governor Whitmer’s executive order expands BCBSM and BCN efforts by requiring all insurance providers to waive any limits on early refills, so Michigan residents can obtain a 90-day supply of prescription drugs necessary to manage their medical conditions during the COVID-19 crisis.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will waive prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and covered services for COVID-19, cover those tests at no cost share to members, waive prescription refill limits on maintenance medications, and expand access to telehealth and nurse/provider hotlines. This applies to fully insured and Medicare Advantage plan members. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will also work to support self-insured customers who choose to take similar actions.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is providing more than $38 million in premium relief for thousands of Medicare members, individual and family plan members, and fully insured businesses throughout the state. All of these one-time credits, which will range from 10% to 25%, will be applied to an upcoming monthly bill before the end of 2020. Additionally, Blue Cross recently completed an accelerated mailing of rebate checks totaling more than $31 million to thousands of members who had individual and family coverage with the insurer in 2019. The combined $70 million in financial relief comes at a time when many Minnesota residents and employers continue to face significant challenges resulting from the economic downturn that began with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All temporary telehealth coverage changes currently in effect will be extended through December 31, 2020. This includes coverage for behavioral health services, in addition to physical, speech and occupational therapy, and medication management.

Additionally, Blue Cross is extending its cost-share waiver for COVID-19 testing, related office visits and in-network treatment through the end of the year, ensuring members will not need to pay any out-of-pocket expenses for COVID-19 related care.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will also accelerate approximately $80 million in advance payments to providers for quality and cost standards achieved in 2019 — previously scheduled for payment in late-2020. In addition, Blue Cross will provide advance payments to providers for achievements made in the innovation and transformation of care delivery through value-based care partnerships.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Blue Plus has committed $60,000 in funding to support the Arrowhead Health Alliance (AHA), a collaboration between the Health and Human Services agencies of Carlton, Cook, Lake, Koochiching and St. Louis counties in northeastern Minnesota. The funding will support the AHA’s Arrowhead Telepresence Coalition, enabling the organization to purchase and distribute Internet devices and hardware to individuals in the region who are most in need of access to telehealth services. The AHA is anticipating as many as 300 to 400 new telehealth users due to COVID-19 related concerns about in-person visits to health care clinics and hospitals.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has become the first health insurer to join the state’s latest public health initiative to slow the spread of COVID-19. More than 140 Blue Cross associates from across Blue Cross will volunteer as contact tracers for the Minnesota Department of Health.

Blue Cross volunteer investigators will interview individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in order to determine who among their social contacts may also have been exposed to the virus. The investigator will then reach out to those identified contacts and relay the state’s suggested policies and procedures for self-quarantine and testing.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is reducing barriers to care for Medicare Advantage members by waiving member cost-sharing for in-network primary care, mental health and substance use office visits for the duration of the public health emergency in 2020. Additionally, Medicare Advantage members will have expanded access to in-home wellness care and home test kits for some preventive screenings.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota announced partnerships with WellShare International and the Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance designed to strengthen and extend the community health work infrastructure in Minnesota communities, reduce health disparities, and bridge cultural and language barriers in efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation has granted more than $825,000 to community organizations through its COVID-19 rapid response fund, on top of earlier efforts that include contributing $100,000 to both the Minnesota Disaster Recovery Fund and the Headwaters Foundation for Justice’s Communities First Fund, $100,000 to the Coalition of Asian-American Leaders (CAAL) as part of their anti-racism campaign and $15,000 to both the Minneapolis American Indian Center and NorthPoint Health and Wellness for their emergency food shelf efforts.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has joined with North Memorial Health to create mask covers made of surgical wrap material that can be worn over N95 masks. One sheet of wrap can make 24 mask covers, and thousands of mask covers will be sewn for this campaign.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is waiving all patient costs related to in-network COVID-19 treatment and care, including hospitalization. The treatment cost waiver applies to all members in fully insured commercial plans, Minnesotans who purchase Blue Cross coverage on their own, and seniors enrolled in Medicare. The waiver will be in effect through May 31, 2020.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota announced a new community-based initiative with Allina Health to enable skilled volunteers to assist with the shortage of personal protective equipment for health care workers. This initiative asks skilled volunteers throughout the state to sew CDC-approved reusable face masks that health workers can use as they treat patients.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will waive prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and covered services for COVID-19, cover those tests at no cost share to members, waive prescription refill limits on maintenance medications, and expand access to telehealth and nurse/provider hotlines. This applies to fully insured employer, individual and Medicare members. Self-insured employers will have the flexibility to apply the same no-cost structure.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi has expanded telehealth coverage for members through December 31, 2020.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi is covering medically necessary diagnostic tests consistent with CDC guidance related to COVID-19 at no cost share (deductible, copay, coinsurance) to members.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi is also waiving member cost sharing for medically necessary covered services for COVID-19 treatment through May 31, 2020.

Medically necessary covered telemedicine services are also being provided with no member cost sharing payments.

BlueCross BlueShield of Montana

BlueCross and BlueShield of Montana is extending cost-sharing waivers for COVID-19 treatment for members of all fully insured group, individual, Medicare (excluding Part D), Medicare Supplement, and Medicaid plans through Aug. 31, 2020.

BlueCross BlueShield of Montana will waive co-pays and deductibles for COVID-19 testing and will not require prior authorization. This applies to all members except those in self-insured plans; those plans are making their own coverage decisions.Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana is temporarily expanding its telemedicine visit coverage to include phone calls and eliminating cost sharing for clinically appropriate, covered medical and behavioral health services delivered through telemedicine in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.The expansion is effective through April 30, 2020.

BlueCross and BlueShield of Montana also launched a dedicated microsite with information for members, providers on COVID-19.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) launched a pilot program to recruit work-from-home customer service representatives in Norfolk, Columbus and greater Omaha, demonstrating its commitment to Nebraska’s economic development, a sustainable remote-working environment and localized member support. As part of the pilot, 10 new employees started August 31, with more to follow soon.

Prioritization of both employee safety and uninterrupted customer service spurred BCBSNE leadership to quickly get employees set up to work from home at the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. The company ensured a smooth transition to work from home, with requirements including equipment reliability, high-speed internet connectivity, information security and continued employee engagement.

BCBSNE is hiring at least 16 more customer service representatives in Norfolk, Columbus and greater Omaha in September, and plans to continue expanding hiring to other parts of Nebraska.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska is extending the waiver of member cost shares for in-network COVID-19 testing and inpatient/outpatient treatment, including telehealth, through Sept. 30, 2020. During the pandemic, the company has seen a significant increase in telehealth usage. BCBSNE began waiving member cost shares for telehealth in early March.

Telehealth claims among BCBSNE members were up 963% in March, and 3612% in April, compared to February 2020. Over half of these telehealth visits – 53% – were for behavioral health.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska has also donated $20,000 to the Open Door Mission. The donation will support the nonprofit in providing shelter and care for men, women and children experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska will cover testing for COVID-19 with no cost-sharing and is waiving early refill limits on 30-day prescription medications. It will also cover the cost of all telehealth visits with no cost-sharing for all members.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico has made a $20,000 grant to the Adelante Development Center, a nonprofit that supports people with disabilities and seniors across New Mexico. The grant will help Adelante’s direct support professionals meet the increased demands of delivering personal care to vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 crisis.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is waiving cost-sharing for COVID-related treatment for Medicare (excluding Part D) and Medicare Supplement members, through August 31, 2020.

For fully insured and Interagency Benefits Advisory Council members, there is no projected end date for the cost-sharing waivers for COVID-19 related testing and treatment.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is contributing $1 million to address the needs of New Mexicans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The BCBSNM COVID-19 Community Collaborative Grant Fund will help support the health and wellness of our communities by focusing on areas where communities need it the most, including aid for food security, child and senior care, providers, and health care access.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico will waive co-pays and deductibles for COVID-19 testing and will not require prior authorization. It is working with self-insured plans on their decisions.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico also launched a dedicated microsite with information for members, providers on COVID-19.

BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina has invested $400,000 in the American Red Cross’ Sound the Alarm program for home fire prevention, preparedness, and recovery, and to help create disaster-ready kits for its shelters in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote disaster planning, and this year Blue Cross NC has committed $100,000 to support the Red Cross’ efforts to create 10 pandemic-ready shelter kits to keep residents and volunteers safe as they navigate disasters during the evolving public health crisis.

Each kit includes enough PPE and other essential supplies to enable 150 workers and residents (and those seeking safe shelter from threats such as hurricanes and flooding to monitor and address basic health and wellness and social distancing needs for up to two weeks.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and the Charlotte Hornets are teaming up to support Project BOLT, a nonprofit whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for marginalized citizens of the Charlotte community. The Hornets and Blue Cross NC are committing to a weekly donation of 300 meals for children in Charlotte over the next six weeks, along with a $10,000 donation to Project BOLT.

Since the COVID-19 crisis began in March, Project BOLT has been delivering food and school supplies to children ages 2-18 across seven neighborhoods to ensure that children who normally get their primary meals and basic nutrition covered through school were fed and had the necessary supplies to do their school work at home.

BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina is waiving cost-sharing for all COVID-19 related treatments for both in-network and out-of-network providers through October 31, 2020. All doctors providing COVID-19 care will be paid as in-network – whether they are or not.

BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina is also waiving all copays for in-network primary care and behavioral health visits for Medicare advantage members through the end of 2020.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is lowering how much members pay for a 90-day supply of maintenance medications through the end of 2020. The move is designed to help ease financial burdens caused by COVID-19, and help people stay home by encouraging them to order 90-day supplies of their medications.

Effective July 15, all Blue Cross NC commercial, fully insured customers will receive up to a 33% discount on their copays for maintenance medications. The company will only require the equivalent of two copays versus three for a 90-day supply.

This benefit will be available at both retail and mail-order pharmacies. Members on an individual under-65 health plan will receive the discount immediately. Fully insured group members who get a 90-day fill between July 15, 2020 and Sept. 1, 2020 will receive a check for refunded amounts in October. Group members will get the discount at their retail or mail-order pharmacy starting Sept. 1, 2020.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is expanding its support of primary care by creating Accelerate to Value, a program to help independently owned primary care physician practices remain financially viable and move to value-based care. The progra