Anthem Waives Cost Share for COVID-19 Treatment
April 01 2020 - 7:30PM
Business Wire
Anthem’s commitment to improving lives and supporting our local
communities is more important than ever as the nation joins
together to address the COVID-19 crisis. As part of Anthem’s
ongoing actions to meet the needs of those directly impacted by the
disease, the company announced it will expand coverage, effective
April 1, for members in its affiliated health plans undergoing
treatment related to a COVID-19 diagnosis.
“During these challenging times, Anthem stands by our legacy and
commitment to living our values and supporting those we serve,”
said Anthem President and CEO Gail K. Boudreaux. “By applying our
approach for innovation, compassion and inclusion, we are focused
on the issues needed most in this time of crisis, including
affordability and access to care for those dealing with treatment
related to COVID-19. We are also proud to serve as a partner to
frontline caregivers and community leaders to meet the evolving
needs of our nation.”
The expansion covers the waiver of cost share for COVID-19
treatment received through May 31, 2020. Anthem will reimburse
health care providers at in-network rates or Medicare rates, as
applicable, for Anthem’s affiliated health plan fully insured,
Individual, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage members. Anthem is
strongly encouraging participation by our self-funded employers and
will work them to ensure their employees’ needs are met. These
employers will, however, still have the option to opt out of
participation.
Anthem will also provide post-discharge support to Medicare
members with complex care needs who may need additional assistance
as they transition back to home following hospitalization. Anthem’s
care managers can help provide coordination of medications and home
health needs, scheduling follow up appointments and transportation,
and arranging for post-discharge meal delivery.
This action expands upon the proactive steps Anthem has already
taken to support care providers and protect our members, associates
and communities against COVID-19, which include:
- Waiving copays, coinsurance and deductibles for the diagnostic
test related to COVID-19, as well as for visits associated with
COVID-19 testing, whether the care is received in a physician’s
office, an urgent care center or an emergency department.
- Relaxing early prescription refill limits for members who wish
to receive a 30-day supply of most maintenance medications, where
permissible.
- Waiving any member cost share until June 14, 2020 for
telehealth visits, including visits for mental health and select
Physical, Occupational and Speech therapies, for our fully insured
employer plans, Individual plans, Medicare plans and Medicaid
plans, where permissible.
- Launching a COVID-19 symptom assessment tool available online
and via the Sydney Care mobile app.
- Suspending select prior authorization requirements to allow
care providers to focus on caring for patients diagnosed with
COVID-19. This includes suspension of prior authorization
requirements for patient transfers, prior authorization
requirements for skilled nursing facilities, along with the
suspension of prior authorization requirements for the use of
medical equipment critical to COVID-19 treatment.
- Temporarily adjusting the approach to monitoring claims and
audits.
- Launching the Medical Associate Volunteer Program, which allows
Anthem associates who are licensed and credentialed medical
professionals the opportunity to take paid leave from their regular
Anthem role and use their medical expertise and training to support
care providers and deliver relief.
- Expanding Anthem associate benefits to include up to 80 hours
of paid emergency leave for qualifying needs – which aids with time
for those experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and to address
caregiving needs for children or others due to issues related to
COVID-19.
- In coordination with the Anthem Foundation, and as part of our
legacy of aid to those in need, we are providing extensive support
to meet the needs of communities across the country. Engagement
with long-term partners such as the Red Cross, Direct Relief,
Americares and Feeding America, along with countless other local
nonprofit partners, is ensuring aid is directed to meet the
distinct needs brought by COVID-19. Anthem associates are also
active in community support in a variety of ways, backed by a 100%
match from the organization.
Anthem continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 developments
and listen to the needs of our communities, Anthem associates and
all of the members and care providers we serve.
About Anthem, Inc.
Anthem is a leading health benefits company dedicated to
improving lives and communities, and making healthcare simpler.
Through its affiliated companies, Anthem serves more than 79
million people, including 41 million within its family of health
plans. We aim to be the most innovative, valuable and inclusive
partner. For more information, please visit www.antheminc.com or
follow @AnthemInc on Twitter.
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Anthem Contacts: Media: Jill
Becher Jill.Becher@anthem.com
Investor Relations: Chris Rigg Chris.Rigg@anthem.com
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