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Most Michigan health insurers extend agreements to provide COVID-19 testing, treatment for free

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LANSING, Mich. — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services announced Monday that the state has secured agreements from nearly all of the state’s health insurers to extend commitments to waive out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and treatments.

These agreements cover more than 92% of the commercial health insurance market in Michigan, according to a news release.

“As we continue working to combat this global pandemic and save lives, the very last thing that Michiganders should have to worry about is whether their health insurance will cover the costs of their care,” Whitmer said. “I’m pleased that these agreements with health insurers will be extended to ensure Michigan residents everywhere can equitably access COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccinations as we work together to end this pandemic.”

As an extension of previous agreements, consumers with individual and group health plans listed below will not be charged cost-sharing, including co-pays, deductibles and coinsurance, for medically appropriate COVID-19-related medical treatment, such as primary care visits, diagnostic testing, emergency room visits, ambulance services and approved medications and vaccines:

  • Aetna (expires Feb. 28)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network (expires March 31)
  • HAP, Alliance Health (expires March 31)
  • McLaren Health Plan (expires March 31)
  • Meridian Health Plan (expires April 21)
  • Molina Healthcare Michigan (expires March 31)
  • Oscar (expires March 31)
  • Physicians Health Plan (expires June 30)
  • Priority Health, Priority Health Insurance Co. (expires March 31)

Federal law requires health insurers to provide no-cost coverage for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, though not necessarily for COVID-19 treatment, during the federal public health emergency, which is currently set to expire April 21.

Consumers with Medicaid or Medicare may also receive a no-cost COVID-19 test, vaccination and related services from a health care provider.

Those with coverage from an insurer not named in the state agreement – such as Humana, Paramount or United – should contact their health insurance company to find out about their coverage before incurring costs.

SEE MORE: CORONAVIRUS IN WEST MICHIGAN