April 10, 2020
BCBSIL Waives Member Cost-sharing for COVID-19 Treatment
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is waiving member cost-sharing, including deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, related to treatment for COVID-19. The waiver applies to costs associated with COVID-19 treatment at in-network facilities and treatment for out-of-network emergencies.
The new policy applies to BCBSIL members of:
- Fully insured group plans
- Individual and family plan
- Medicare (excluding Part D plans)
- Medicare Supplement
- Medicaid
We are also offering this to self-insured customers. Please talk to your account representative or broker if you are self-insured and want to make this available to your employees.
Our policy is effective for treatment received April 1 through May 31, 2020. BCBSIL will reassess this policy as circumstances warrant.
Other changes announced by BCBSIL in response to COVID-19 during this public health emergency include:
- Expanding access to telehealth coverage
- Waiving preauthorization and members’ cost-sharing for testing to diagnose COVID-19
- Lifting restrictions on early prescription fills
- Lifting cost-sharing for in-network medically necessary services delivered via telemedicine
- Waiving prior authorization requirements for transfers to in-network, alternative post-acute facilities until April 30, 2020
- Launching a dedicated COVID-19 educational website so members can easily access information and resources around COVID-19
- Opening a special-enrollment period for commercial group account customers
- Launching the COVID-19 Collaborative Grant Fund to provide resources and support to those most impacted by the pandemic
For the latest information on BCBSIL’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and other information and tips to stay healthy, please visit our bcbsil.com/covid-19.
