Blue Cross Expands No-Cost COVID-19 Treatment Through Dec. 31
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network have put the health of members and customers at the forefront.
We’ve stood by our members, removing barriers in access to care and making sure their health care is affordable – and we’ve provided customers with information and solutions to help navigate the health care system. As an enterprise, we’ve put more than $600 million behind our multifaceted response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Members of commercial PPO and HMO plans through Blue Cross and Blue Care Network, as well as individuals in Medicare Advantage plans, don’t have to pay for COVID-19 treatment through Dec. 31, 2020. Members have not had to pay cost sharing for treatment in the form of copays, deductibles and coinsurance since March when the first cases of COVID-19 were announced in Michigan.
Blue Cross also continues to pay for FDA-approved, physician-authorized testing for COVID-19 until further notice.
Additionally, many temporary, expanded health and wellness benefits offered to all Blue Cross and Blue Care Network members are available through June 30.
Those include:
- No-cost telehealth medical services for members with existing telehealth medical benefits
- No-cost telehealth behavioral health services for members with existing telehealth benefits
After June 30, normal copayments and cost sharing will apply for telehealth. Log in to your member account online to check your benefits.
Virtual Care
The free telehealth benefits available through June 30 apply to virtual visits through your primary care doctor, behavioral health services and Blue Cross Online Visits for members with this benefit. Members should ensure their health plans and enrollee I.D.s are up to date in Blue Cross Online Visits.
The 24-Hour Nurse Line is also available at no cost now, as well as after June 30.
Senior Support
Additionally, through Dec. 31, 2020, members with Medicare Advantage through BCBSM and BCN can receive free in-network services for the following types of visits:
- In-person primary care
- Behavioral health office visits
- Telehealth services for medical and behavioral health
No copays, coinsurance or deductibles will be needed. This policy began May 1. Medicare Advantage members in group plans are advised to check with their group plan administrator to see if this applies to them.
More from MIBluesPerspectives.com:
- 5 Reasons to See a Doctor When You’re Healthy
- Two Main COVID-19 Tests, Explained
- Managing Social Anxiety During and After COVID-19
Photo credit: lusia599
If we don’t have to pay testing with a doctor’s note then why was I billed for mine?
Hi Teresa, in following the government’s mandates, we’re covering all member copays, deductibles and coinsurance for COVID-related testing from February 4, 2020. For specific questions about your bill, call the phone number on the back of your insurance I.D. card or visit the Customer Action Center online. Thank you, Amy