Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans are taking action to safeguard the health of Minnesotans amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including eliminating cost-sharing for enrollees who need testing, expanding telehealth access and instituting several other measures to ensure broad access to care.
“Protecting Minnesotans during this crisis is our No. 1 priority,” said Lucas Nesse, president and CEO of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans. “That is why health plans are taking immediate actions to reduce barriers and support their enrollees.”
Minnesota health plans have worked closely with state officials to identify areas in which health plans could take steps to ensure timely access to information, testing and treatment for people who have or may have COVID-19. Accordingly, Minnesota’s nonprofit health plans are making the following available in the fully insured market:
- Broad access to telehealth and hotlines
- Waived co-pays for COVID-19 testing
- Coverage for COVID-19 immunization (when available)
- Relaxed out-of-network requirements if in-network options are not available
- Removal of prior authorization procedures for diagnostic tests and covered services
- Waived early-refill limits on maintenance medications
This will extend to the Medicaid and Medicare market to the extent that regulation allows. Health plans are also providing their self-insured clients with information on how they can make similar supportive changes. Anyone experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) or has potentially been exposed to COVID-19, is encouraged to seek health care in a manner that minimizes the potential exposure of others. That might include first calling a provider or utilizing telehealth services. The situation is evolving rapidly, so the best way for customers to get the most up-to-date information on their health plan coverage is to call the number on the back of their member ID card or visit their health plan’s website.