Update - How BCBSKS is Responding to COVID-19
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas(BCBSKS) continues to monitor COVID-19 closely. The following expansions will be altered beginning July 1, 2020:
Telehealth/Virtual Services
The expansion of telehealth and virtual services that were effective March 16, 2020 will continue to be allowed through December 31, 2020. They will continue to be paid at parity to in-person services. The expansion of telehealth and virtual services incudes provider types, coverage for e-Visits and virtual services provided by facilities. Members will be responsible for their cost-share (co-pay, deductible) for telehealth and virtual services provided on or after July 1, 2020, according to the terms of the members' contracts. The only exception to cost-share is for COVID-19 treatment provided by telehealth. (See guidance below.)
Please note: The State of Kansas employer group has opted to continue and waive member cost share for Amwell and network providers for telehealth services until December 31, 2020. The decision to extend coverage will continue to be reviewed.
COVID-19 Testing
All member cost-share will continue to be waived for COVID-19 testing through December 31, 2020.
COVID-19 Treatment
All member cost-share for fully insured groups will continue to be waived through December 31, 2020. Administrative Service Only (ASO) groups can choose to waive or not waive member cost share as of July 1, 2020.
Precertification/Continued Stay Review
BCBSKS will continue to waive the inpatient pre-certification and continued stay review requirement for COVID-19 admissions through December 31, 2020.
Transfers to Long Term Acute Care and Inpatient Rehabilitation
Beginning with admissions on or after July 1, 2020, we will resume the prior authorization requirement for any transfer request to long term acute care and inpatient rehabilitation.
To review previous details on these expansions, prior to July 1, 2020, please view the following publications:
Telehealth Services Temporarily Expanded
Expanded Telehealth Use Includes Dental Services
Virtual Services Due to COVID-19 (UB-04 Billing)
How BCBSKS is Responding to COVID-19
Precertification Changes Due to COVID-19
If you have any questions regarding this newsletter, please contact your BCBSKS provider consultant/representative.