The Minnesota Council of Health Plans announced today that Minnesota-based nonprofit health programs are willingly extending cost-sharing waivers for in-patient COVID-19 therapy through March 31, 2021. The expansion coincides with a number of different steps taken to assist individuals, suppliers and the community weather the pandemic.
The average cost to take care of a hospitalized patient using COVID-19 is $30,000 and can frequently exceed this figure depending on the patient’s condition, according to a analysis from America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP). By continuing to waive the conventional cost-sharing requirements, Minnesota health programs are stepping up to support significance and simpler access to care during the health emergency.
“Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans Recognize the impact COVID-19 is getting throughout the country and are devoted to supporting members during this catastrophe,” explained Lucas Nesse, President and CEO of the Council. “The safety and health of Minnesotans remain our top priority and we’ll continue to seek out innovative ways to offer our aid to those affected.”
Member organizations of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans have taken the next steps:
Treatment: Health plans are stretching waivers for cost sharing for in-network COVID-19 hospitalization on fully insured, individual and group health programs through March 31, 2021. Health programs are continuously assessing all aspects of care from diagnosis to hospitalization, as well as any other prerequisites, such as prior authorization or pre-certification requirements to guarantee timely access to appropriate care. Plans that have committed to this expansion include:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield/Blue Plus of Minnesota
HealthPartners
Hennepin Health
Medica
PreferredOne
UCare
Public health response: Health programs are playing a Substantial role in the general public health awareness efforts associated with COVID-19. This includes a new partnership with the state’s hospitals and health systems on a campaign called FightCovidMN, which urges all Minnesotans to fight with the neighborhood spread of COVID-19. Health plans will also be collaborating with the state of Minnesota on boosting a new app — COVIDaware MN — that informs Minnesotans of possible COVID-19 exposure.
COVID-19 vaccine coverage: The new COVID-19 vaccine will probably be one of the recommended immunizations for enrollees as it rolls out over the next several months. As such, member health plans will waive copays, deductibles and coinsurance for your COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available through the government’s multi-phased strategy.
Provider assistance: Health plans have also offered providers financial aid. This includes grants to supplier groups and community practices for enhancements to offer maintenance in a COVID-19 environment and accelerated claim obligations to providers to deal with their immediate financial concerns brought on by COVID-19.
Community giving: Health plans continue to play a significant part in community outreach efforts to curtail the impacts of the pandemic. Collectively, health plans and their foundations have provided considerable financial assistance related to social isolation, mental health, telehealth, food insecurity, domestic abuse and personal protective equipment needed during the pandemic. Organizations receiving financial and other assistance from health plans include Second Harvest Heartland, Greater Twin Cities United Way, People Serving People, YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities and many more. Association of accredited nonprofit health insurance that includes Blue Cross and Blue Shield/Blue Plus of Minnesota, HealthPartners, Hennepin Health, Medica, PreferredOne, Sanford Health Plan of Minnesota and UCare.
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