Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska waives member cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatment – BCBSNE Newsroom

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) is waiving member cost-sharing for in-network treatment of COVID-19 from March 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020. This means that members with medical plan coverage will pay nothing for in-network testing and treatment administered at a doctor’s office, urgent care facility and emergency room, as well as inpatient hospital stays.

The announcement applies to all fully insured group and individual health plan members, along with those who receive their insurance through Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans. BCBSNE is working with their self-funded employer group clients who want to implement a similar approach.

“We’re here to provide peace of mind during a time of uncertainty,” said Steve Grandfield, BCBSNE president and CEO. “Ensuring our members have access to the care they need is our top priority.”

In addition to this latest coverage enhancement, BCBSNE has also made the following changes in response to the current coronavirus pandemic:

Waiving prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and covered services that are medically necessary and consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for members if diagnosed with COVID-19.
Covering medically necessary diagnostic tests that are consistent with CDC guidance related to COVID-19 at no cost-share to members.
Increasing access to prescription medications by waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications (consistent with members’ benefit plans) and encouraging members to use their 90-day mail order benefit.
Extending existing prior authorizations on prescription drugs that are due to expire until May 31, 2020.
Waiving member cost share for all in-network telehealth.

In addition to BCBSNE, other Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, as well as the BCBS Federal Employee Program (FEP), are waiving member cost shares related to COVID-19 treatment. For more information, go to bcbs.com.

For the latest updated information about what BCBSNE is doing related to the COVID-19 pandemic, members should visit nebraskablue.com/coronavirus. If members have questions about their claims or coverage, they should call the number on the back of their ID card.