Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois to waive member cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatment

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois will waive member cost-sharing for care related to the treatment of new coronavirus, the company announced Thursday.

The action applies to costs associated with COVID-19 treatment at in-network facilities and treatments for out-of-network emergencies. It applies to all of its fully insured group plans.

Blue Cross said it will work in partnership with self-funded employer groups that decide to offer the same waivers.

The policy is effective for treatment received between April 1 and May 31. The policy will be reassessed as “circumstances warrant.”

“We want our members to have the security and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have access to the healthcare coverage they need when they need it most,” said Steve Hamman, president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.

The step comes as Blue Cross’ parent company, Health Care Service Corporation, announced it will offer a special enrollment period for its insured group customers. The plans would apply to eligible employees and their dependents who previously declined coverage or currently enrolled employees who wish to add an eligible spouse or dependent.

The special open enrollment period began April 1 and will end April 30, 2020.

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