Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas announces COVID-19 updates

Today, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS) announced that they will be continuing to cover 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 June 30, 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 on March 31, 2021. Coverage for COVID-19 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 reaches the one-year mark. 

“The success of the COVID-19 vaccine has been evident across our state and nation,” Matt All, BCBSKS president/CEO said. “Even with this success, we know there are some Kansans who are still struggling and the costs of COVID-19 care should not be one of their worries.”

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.

Seek Care with a Contracting Provider
Moving forward, if a person seeks COVID-19 care from a doctor or hospital (also called a provider) who isn’t contracting (also known as a non-contracting provider) with BCBSKS, it may result in additional costs for the patient.

BCBSKS will no longer be covering the full cost of COVID-19 testing and treatment provided by non-contracting providers. We will now pay the same amount that we pay for services at providers who do contract with us. This may result in a bill from the provider.

It is important to “know before you go.” Visit bcbsks.com/find-a-doctor or call 800-432-3990 (toll-free) to make sure the doctor or hospital is contracted with BCBSKS. However, if you have a medical emergency, always seek care at the closest emergency room.

For additional information about what COVID-19 services are covered by BCBSKS health plans and related resources, visit the BCBSKS COVID-19 Resource Center.