On Friday, the Office of Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) today asked health plan issuers to help Wisconsinites access the care they need to diagnose and treat any cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019).
The bulletin issued earlier this afternoon by Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable outlines a series of measures that insurers, self-funded plans, pharmacy benefit managers and cooperative health plans (collectively, health plan issuers) are being requested to take in order to help meet the current public health challenge posed by COVID-19, including: reviewing their current state of readiness to respond to any new COVID-19 cases; waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 laboratory and radiology testing; and verifying that their provider networks are prepared to respond to a possible increase in the need for health care services in the event more COVID-19 cases are diagnosed in Wisconsin. A complete version of the bulletin can be accessed here on the OCI website.
“Costs should not be a barrier to people receiving necessary treatment,” said Governor Tony Evers. “We will continue to monitor the situation and take the necessary steps to address this evolving public health challenge.”
“We appreciate all stakeholders working with OCI to ensure that Wisconsinites are protected and have access to the care they need,” said Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable.
Members of the public who have questions about COVID-19 are encouraged to visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services website at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/disease/covid-19.htm.