News Releases - 2020

May 12, 2020

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Updated COVID-19 Response

Company extends date for no member cost share on services

As the state continues to see cases of COVID-19, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) has announced they will continue to offer COVID-related services with no cost share for members through the end of June or the end of the declared public health emergency in some cases.

BCBSKS will continue waiving member cost sharing, including co-pays and deductibles, until June 30 for the following services:

• Telehealth services for any visit that is medically reasonable to be done using this technology. This includes, but is not limited to, medical visits, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. The visit does not have to be specific to COVID-19 testing. The use of telehealth will help to lower the spread of germs while allowing members to continue to get the care they need.
• Early refills on prescription medications will be allowed until June 30; however, they will still be subject to co-pays and deductibles.
• Treatment of COVID-19, which includes coverage for testing and treatment administered at a doctor’s office, urgent care facility and emergency room, as well as inpatient hospital stays. This only applies to fully insured members, along with those who receive their insurance through Medicare Advantage plans.

Services that will be covered at no member cost share for the duration of the declared public health emergency include:

• Medically necessary diagnostic tests related to COVID-19 and the cost of the visit to doctor’s office, urgent care, telehealth, and emergency room used for diagnostic testing of COVID-19.
• Related services (flu tests, respiratory illness tests) provided during urgent care, emergency room, or in-person or telehealth provider visits that result in an order for or administration of a covered diagnostic test for COVID-19.

“It's our job to be there for our members in their time of need,” said Matt All, president/CEO. “Thinking you or a family member may have COVID-19 is stressful enough. We want to alleviate some of that stress by not having to worry about receiving a large healthcare bill after testing or treatment.”

As the state’s largest insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas serves more than a million members. Throughout this pandemic, they will work to make sure that members have access to the care they need, that claims are paid, and questions are answered. They are also working closely with healthcare providers across the state and putting plans in place to allow them to stay focused on patient care.

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