As several pandemic restrictions are lifted across the country, health insurers are looking to roll back on waivers for coronavirus treatment.
What We Know:
- During the height of the pandemic, many health insurance companies voluntarily waived deductibles, copayments, and other added fees for insured patients that contracted COVID-19. Patients who became severely ill and required hospitalization or medical treatment also had their fees waived.
- Those in the industry were applauded for aiding customers during a physically, emotionally, and financially difficult time. But as more aspects of normality return to how they used to be, the less coverage health insurers are giving to COVID-19 patients.
- Starting at the end of 2020 and continuing onward, a number of health insurance companies are quietly ending their fee waivers for covid treatment policies. Sabrina Corlette, research professor and co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University, said, “When it comes to treatment, more and more consumers will find that the normal course of deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance will apply.”
- Even so, federal law prevents insurers from charging for coronavirus testing and vaccination, ensuring clients are still able to know if they have contracted the virus. However, if a person is to be hospitalized with coronavirus, they may receive a hefty bill.
Robert Laszewski, an insurance industry consultant in Maryland, called the ending of the waivers for treatment “a big deal” if you become severely ill. On top of that, he adds, “and then you find out you have to pay $5,000 out-of-pocket that your cousin didn’t two months ago.”
