Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Expedites Access to Testing and Care Related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

BOSTON, March 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Blue Cross) has been monitoring and responding to the serious challenges posed by the outbreak of coronavirus strain COVID-19, and we are taking immediate steps to expedite access to testing and care for our members.

Effective today, we will:

    --  Cover the full cost of diagnostic tests for COVID-19 for all fully
        insured members who meet CDC guidelines for testing. Members in fully
        insured plans will face no co-pay, co-insurance, or deductible for these
        tests. Self-funded employer groups will have the option of similarly
        waiving the cost share for these tests.
    --  Consistent with the guidance issued today by the Massachusetts
        Department of Insurance, we also will cover the cost of vaccination when
        a COVID-19 vaccine is available, and we will waive co-payments for
        medically necessary COVID-19 treatment at doctor's offices, emergency
        rooms and urgent care centers. Any medically necessary treatment for
        coronavirus is covered under a member's health plan within the United
        States or internationally.
    --  Remove any administrative barriers, such as prior authorizations and
        referrals, for medically appropriate care for COVID-19.
    --  Waive co-pays for members with access to Well Connection, our telehealth
        platform. Telehealth, which offers convenience as well as the
        opportunity to avoid potential exposure to contagion, is included in the
        health plans of all our members with telehealth benefits, and we will
        reach out to any employer accounts without the benefit to ensure they
        know this option is available as well. We also will promote our 24/7
        nurse hotline, which is available free to all members and offers a safe
        and convenient clinical resource for minor ailments or questions.
    --  Increase access to prescription medications. Consistent with the CDC
        recommendation to have a one-month supply of medication on hand, members
        will have access to early refills of 30-day prescription maintenance
        medication. We will ensure formulary flexibility if there are shortages
        or access issues.
    --  Educate and inform the public about how to contain the spread of the
        virus. We have launched a regularly updated resource center that
        includes information about how to stay safe, a downloadable tip sheet
        for employers, a video featuring one of our physicians, and an FAQ. Our
        health news site, Coverage, produces timely, original news articles
        reporting what health consumers need to know about COVID-19.

"We want our members to know that we support them at this critical time," said Andrew Dreyfus, president & CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. "We applaud Gov. Charlie Baker's approach to this issue and share his commitment to ensuring the health and safety of our neighbors, today more than ever. Our members should face no barriers in getting the care they need as we face the ongoing challenge of the coronavirus. "Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is coordinating with other Blue Cross Blue Shield plans around the country to ensure that members have access to testing and treatment regardless of where they live. Blue Cross Blue Shield plans are following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guidelines along with other federal recommendations and will continue to support and protect the health and well-being of members and the community.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (bluecrossma.com) is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston. We are committed to the relentless pursuit of quality, affordable health care with an unparalleled consumer experience. Consistent with our promise to always put our members first, we are rated among the nation's best health plans for member satisfaction and quality. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts