CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: METROPLUS WILL WAIVE COST-SHARING FOR CORONAVIRUS TESTING

On March 2, 2020, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that health insurers throughout New York State, including MetroPlus Health Plan, will NOT charge members cost sharing (copays, coinsurance, deductibles) for coronavirus testing. This includes the cost of the test, as well as any cost for visiting the doctor, urgent care center, or hospital to be tested.

In addition, CMS has developed a new HCPCS code for testing related to coronavirus. This will enable better tracking of the public health response. Click here for more information about the new code and how to use it.

The Department of Financial Services has issued a circular letter on COVID-19 for health insurers that can be accessed here.

Governor Cuomo’s directive regarding access and cost sharing for COVID-19 testing and treatment available can be found here.

The New York State Department of Health issued a special edition of the Medicaid Update on March 10, 2020, featuring New York State Medicaid Coverage and Reimbursement Policy for Services Related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19). This Medicaid Update can be found here.

The New York State Department of Health provides public health information and guidance here and has implemented a Novel Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065.

The Centers for Disease Control’s website also offers up to date information that can be found here.

You can also learn more from the New York City Department of Health here.

New Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Home Health Agencies (HHAs) can be found here.

Please use these resources to inform yourself about the coronavirus to help keep your patients, your practice, and yourself safe.