Kentucky Residents Could Pay $0 for COVID-Related Treatments
By Tracy L. Hirsch
Unsure about how much you would have to pay if you needed testing or treatment for COVID-19? If you have health insurance through one of the major carriers in Kentucky, it may be nothing at all.
When it comes to health care, it’s imperative to know what kind of coverage your plan provides. Many of my bankruptcy clients have medical debt, even though most of them have health insurance. This is because high deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums can add up to thousands of dollars from just one health incident.
Because of this reality, many Americans are currently worried about what kind of financial repercussions they would have if they were to get tested and/or treated for COVID-19. We decided to do some research to give Louisville residents peace of mind in regards to this prevalent issue.
There are four major health insurance carriers in Western Kentucky, and all four are currently waiving fees associated with COVID-19 testing and treatment. (It’s important to note that there are exceptions, so it is imperative that you directly contact your health insurance company to verify your coverage.)
Is your insurance company waiving medical fees related to COVID-19 testing and treatment? Find out below.
The table below provides information on whether or not each of the health insurance companies waives fees for testing, out-patient treatment (i.e. doctor’s office), and in-patient treatment (i.e. hospital admission) for COVID-19. It also shows the end date for the coverage.
Testing | Out-patient | In-Patient | End Date | |
United Healthcare | Yes | Yes | Unknown | 12-31-2020 |
Anthem BCBS | Yes | Yes | Yes | 12-31-2020 |
Humana | Yes | Yes | Yes | Ongoing |
Aetna | Yes | Yes | Yes | 12-31-2020 |
Humana:
While the other three health insurance companies are waiving COVID-related fees until the end of the month, Humana states that they are doing so indefinitely.
They have yet to determine an end date, so as of now, they are the only local insurance company that is providing free coverage for testing and treatment of COVID-19 (including hospital admission) after the new year.
It’s important to note that they are waiving COVID-related fees only for certain types of plans. Click here to see which plans qualify (when you get to the Humana page, click on the “COVID-19 treatment” tab to see the list of qualifying plans).
Anthem BCBS:
Just like Humana, Anthem is waiving all fees for testing and treatment of COVID-19 (including hospital admission), but only for certain types of plans. In addition, this free coverage ends on December 31, 2020.
Be sure to call the Member Services phone number in the back of your insurance card to find out which plans qualify.
Aetna:
Aetna’s website states they will also fully cover all COVID-related testing and treatment, including hospital admissions, for all Aetna-insured commercial plans and Medicare plans.
However, we recommend that you call to verify if your plan is indeed part of this coverage. COVID-related fees will be waived for testing and treatment that takes place on or before December 31, 2020.
Click here for more information.
United Healthcare:
According to their website, United is waiving the fees for testing and doctor visits related to COVID-19 treatment, but there is no mention of hospital admission and whether or not it would be waived.
Just like Aetna and Anthem, their free coverage of COVID-19 tests and outpatient doctor’s visits ends on December 31, 2020. Click here to learn more.
As things continue to change, be sure to check with your insurance provider, as they may extend the timeframe for waiving COVID-19-related fees.
If you have loved ones who have commercial plans through one of these insurance providers, please share this article with them. As we wrap up this stressful and unprecedented year, let’s continue to lift each other up, and hold out hope for a better year ahead.
All the best,
Tracy L. Hirsch
Louisville Bankruptcy Attorney
Need a free consultation? Text or call me at (502) 435-2593!