Philadelphia, PA — July 1, 2020 — Independence Blue Cross (Independence) announces that it has extended many of the benefit changes the company implemented for commercial business in response to the COVID 19 pandemic.
The extended dates show Independence’s commitment to ensuring that its members receive the care they need during the COVID 19 pandemic. The company regularly assesses the current environment for ways to help members, employers, and doctors and physicians.
Independence’s COVID-19 initiatives currently in effect for commercial members until December 31, 2020*
- Waiving cost-sharing for in-network, inpatient acute care treatment for COVID-19
- Coverage for the costs of COVID-19 testing
- Telemedicine visits with a primary care physician (PCP) at no cost
- Telemedicine visits with an MDLive doctor at no cost
- Telemedicine visits with a specialist
- Telemedicine visits for behavioral health
Independence’s COVID-19 initiatives currently in effect until July 31, 2020
- Waiving prior authorization for all inpatient admissions
- Coverage of consumer-grade pulse oximeters at no cost
- Waiving prior authorization requirements for post-acute care admissions
Independence encourages members and others to visit the company’s comprehensive COVID-19 websites for details on the updates, as well as the latest news and information:
- COVID-19 website is a one-stop source for information about testing, treatment and other resources for members.
- The site was named “Best in Class” by Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
- COVID-19 Business Hub provides up-to-date information and resources for Independence employer groups and brokers.
- COVID-19 Provider Hub provides the latest information and resources for physicians, hospitals and health systems.
*The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act mandate that member cost sharing (deductible, co-pays and coinsurance) is waived both in and out-of-network for the testing and diagnosis of COVID-19 through the public health emergency. If the public health emergency ends prior to December 31, 2020, the waiver of cost sharing for out-of-network testing and diagnosis will end as of the date the public health emergency ends. If the public health emergency does not end as of December 31, 2020, the waiver of member cost sharing for both in and out of network will continue through the public health emergency. For High Deductible Health Plans, in-network cost sharing waivers detailed above will remain in effect through December 31, 2020 unless prohibited by law.