As of March 19, more than 10,000 cases of COVID-19 are reported by the CDC across all 50 states, and the public health agency estimated as many as 214 million Americans could become infected by the novel coronavirus.
With nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population estimated to contract the virus in a worst-case scenario, many Americans may fear the healthcare costs associated with testing. A congressional bill signed by President Donald Trump on March 18, however, now requires most group and individual health plans to waive beneficiaries’ liability for copays and payments toward their deductibles associated with COVID-19 testing.
Congress first introduced the bill the previous week on March 11, and just two days later the White House issued a proclamation declaring a national state of emergency related to the spread of the novel coronavirus. While the bill – dubbed the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” – addresses insurers’ responsibility to cover beneficiaries’ cost for COVID-19 testing, it doesn’t go so far as to mandate coverage for treatment.
Looking Out for Our Clients
At Insurance Specialists, Inc., our brokers know this is a time when you’ve been thinking about healthcare costs and your health insurance more than ever. If you need help choosing an individual or group benefit plan, we’re prepared to support you every step of the way and offer options that meet your specific needs.
Because the government has yet to act on covering the healthcare treatment costs of those affected by COVID-19, now may be a good time to consider how you’ll be covered if you need care. The brokers at Insurance Specialists, Inc. can help you match with a healthcare insurance policy that can offer effective care at affordable rates should you or someone on your plan be impacted by the novel coronavirus.
To learn more about how we may be able to help, reach out to a broker at Insurance Specialists, Inc. by contacting us online or calling (888) 451-0883.