Minnesota health plans announce more support for COVID-19 patients
FILE - In this April 14, 2020 file photo, a woman holds her hand out to have blood collected for COVID-19 antibodies at a drive-thru site in Hempstead, N.Y. U.S. regulators on Monday, May 4 pulled back a decision that allowed scores of coronavirus blood tests to hit the market without first providing proof that they worked. The Food and Drug Administration said it took the action because some sellers have made false claims about the tests and their accuracy.[AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File]
Minnesota health plans on Wednesday announced enhanced support for people affected by COVID-19.
The Minnesota Council of Health Plans said cost-sharing waivers are being extended for in-patient treatment amid the pandemic.
"Throughout this pandemic, Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans have been nimble, coming up with innovative ways to support Minnesotans," said Lucas Nesse, president and CEO of the council. "By taking additional steps, our goal is to continue to protect the health and safety of Minnesotans by further reducing the economic impact the pandemic may have on enrollees and others."
The waivers will be extended for in-network COVID-19 hospitalization on fully insured, individual and group health plans until Sept. 30.
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Plans that are committed to the move include:
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield/Blue Plus of Minnesota,
- Health Partners,
- Hennepin Health,
- Medica,
- UCare.
The plans had previously announced no cost-sharing charges for COVID-19 testing, no cost-sharing charges for in-network hospitalizations and expanded access to telemedicine services.