The decision by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to treat those with COVID-19 at no cost since March is now being extended through the end of the year.
The Blues have waived all cost sharing fees for those affected by the coronavirus dating back to March, and that set of cost-share waivers had been scheduled to expire at the end of June. The waiver for members now runs through December 31st.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Blue Care Network will continue provide their members no-cost treatment for COVID-19 disease through the end of the year, meaning they will face no costs for that treatment in the form of copays, deductibles and coinsurance until that time.
BCBSM President & CEO Daniel J. Loepp says, “Thanks to the valiant efforts of our front-line health workers, our health systems and our governmental leaders, Michigan has flattened the coronavirus curve. Still, the virus remains in our communities and many people continue to suffer.” He adds, “Blue Cross wants our members in Michigan and across the nation to rest assured that, should they contract the COVID-19 disease, they won’t have to worry about the financial cost of fighting it.”
The cost share waivers apply to members in fully insured commercial PPO and HMO plans, as well as individuals in fully insured Medicare Advantage plans. BCBSM will work with employer group customers that are self-insured to make decisions regarding their own benefits. BCBSM estimates that it will spend between $23 million to $43 million in providing these additional benefits – bringing the company’s total investment in additional benefits for members to nearly $150 million during the pandemic.
