Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Arizona Waives Cost Sharing For COVID-19 Treatment

PHOENIX, April 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) announced today that it 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. Many BCBSAZ self-funded employer customers have expressed interest in waiving cost shares for their employees for COVID-19 treatment, and BCBSAZ is making this option available to them as well.

"These uncertain times are taking physical, mental, and financial tolls on our community," said Pam Kehaly, president and CEO of BCBSAZ. "Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona is committed to supporting our members and ensuring they receive the care and resources they need. Eliminating cost sharing related to COVID-19 treatment will greatly assist our members, so they don't need worry about the healthcare expenses for treatment related to the virus and can focus on their well-being and recovery."

This decision builds on a series of steps that BCBSAZ has taken to assist members during the global health emergency, such as:

    --  Waiving prior authorizations: BCBSAZ waived prior authorizations for
        medically necessary covered services consistent with CDC guidance for
        members diagnosed with COVID-19. BCBSAZ also has dedicated clinical
        staff available to address inquiries related to medical services.
    --  Waiving initial prior authorizations on hospital transfers to
        skilled-nursing facilities for all diagnoses: This helps free up
        hospital beds in Arizona.
    --  Covering medically necessary diagnostic tests: BCBSAZ eliminated
        members' cost share for medically necessary diagnostic tests related to
        COVID-19 and consistent with CDC guidance (when services are not covered
        as part of the Public Health Service response).
    --  Eliminating cost share for telehealth video sessions and expanding
        hotline services: In addition to complying with the Governor's Executive
        Order for Telemedicine, BCBSAZ previously removed member cost share for
        video telehealth sessions, including services unrelated to COVID-19, and
        expanded access to telehealth and nurse/provider hotlines.
    --  Increasing access to prescription medications: BCBSAZ provided members
        with easier access to prescription medications by removing early
        medication refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications
        (consistent with a member's benefit plan). BCBSAZ is also helping
        members to find alternative covered medications if there are shortages
        or access issues.

BCBSAZ is also working with organizations across the state to help Arizonans during the pandemic, including:

    --  Supporting the Arizona Department of Health Services with funds for
        much-needed supplies for "Go Kits" that include thermometers and masks.
    --  Collaborating with local and state agencies, and investing in COVID-19
        testing together with community partners like Translational Genomics
        Research Institute (TGen), including funding assistance for a
        drive-through test collection site in Northern Arizona.
    --  Contributing to Governor Ducey's Arizona Together Coronavirus Relief
        Fund and other community resources that are providing essential
        services, such as access to food.

For more information, please visit azblue.com/coronavirus or the CDC coronavirus homepage.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is committed to helping Arizonans get healthier faster and stay healthier longer. With a focus on connecting people with the care they need, BCBSAZ offers health insurance and related services to more than 1.7 million customers. Through advanced clinical programs and community outreach, BCBSAZ is inspiring health in Arizona. BCBSAZ, a not-for-profit company, is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company, and its subsidiaries, employ more than 2,400 people in its Phoenix, Chandler, Flagstaff, and Tucson offices. To learn more, visit azblue.com.

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SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona