Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas announces COVID-19 updates
As the first of the COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in Kansas, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) continues to support members through the pandemic by covering the cost of COVID-19 treatment and vaccines.
The company announced that it will continue waiving member cost-share (co-pays, deductibles) of COVID-19 treatment for BCBSKS members through March 31, 2021. This applies to fully insured members, along with those who receive their insurance through Medicare Advantage plans. Administrative Service Only (ASO) groups can choose to waive or not waive member cost share. This had been set to expire at the end of 2020. Coverage for treatment includes services administered via telehealth, at a doctor’s office, urgent care facility and emergency room, as well as inpatient hospital stays.
The extension provides BCBSKS members with continued financial relief as the worldwide health pandemic surges on.
“Extending this coverage is the right decision and shows our continued commitment to the health and wellbeing of our members,” Matt All, BCBSKS president/CEO said. “While we are at the height of this pandemic, no one should have to decide between seeking care for COVID-19 and paying bills or putting food on the table.”
COVID-19 testing will be covered at no member cost share for the duration of the declared public health pandemic. However, this does not include surveillance testing, which is a specific type of testing not necessarily used to determine if someone is positive with the virus but helps gauge the spread of the virus by randomly testing, non-symptomatic individuals within a community.
Whether seeking testing or treatment, it is important for BCBSKS members and all insured Kansans to “know before you go” and ensure they are seeking care with an in-network provider. BCBSKS partners with our in-network providers to safeguard our members from unnecessary costs and surprise billing.
COVID-19 Vaccine Coverage
As the first COVID-19 vaccines have now been administered and as it becomes more available, Kansans can know the life-saving vaccine will be provided at no cost. The federal government will pay for the initial COVID-19 vaccine for all Americans. Providers may charge an administration fee for giving the shot, but that cost will not be passed on to the patient, regardless if they have insurance or not. BCBSKS will cover that cost for our members. Any member that receives a bill for the administration fee for the vaccine should submit a claim to BCBSKS. Providers will be able to get reimbursed for the uninsured population through a government relief fund.
“It has been a long nine months of quarantines, stay-home orders, masks and remote learning,” All said. “This vaccine is an important step forward for the world and our local communities as we look toward a return to normalcy. We are pleased to know that cost will not be an issue, no matter if someone is covered by insurance or not.”
The federal government is warning Americans to beware of potential scams related to the vaccine. No one can pay for a place in line or to put their name on a list for access to the vaccine. No one can be charged for the cost or administration of the vaccine. Offers such as these are scams and should not be trusted.
For additional information about what COVID-19 services are covered by BCBSKS health plans and related resources, visit the BCBSKS COVID-19 Resource Center.
