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BlueKC to extend waive of some COVID-19 costs into 2021

By Madison Parry

Just over a dozen commercial health insurers in the U.S. have announced they will waive member cost-sharing for COVID-19 into 2021. Among these is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City, which said it will extend certain waivers through Jan. 20, 2021.

A select number of commercial health insurers nationwide have announced they intend to continue waiving certain COVID-19 member costs going into 2021.

Members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City are among those to benefit, Blue KC only one of 13 who will waive member cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and treatment through the new year.

Blue KC will cover inpatient hospital admissions with no cost share to the member, according to the health insurer’s website.

Since April 1, 2020 Blue KC has been waiving cost sharing and copayments for inpatient hospital admissions due to the diagnosis of COVID-19 for individuals fully insured by Blue KC. Information posted on their website shows this policy will remain in place through Jan. 20, 2021.

Due to the scheduled end of the federal public health emergency period on Jan. 21, 2020, many of the extended policies also end on the same day, although some do last longer.

The other 12  U.S. commercial health insurers that announced a continuation on certain COVID-19 cost waives include:

  • Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield 
  • Avera Health Plans
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska 
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
  • Capital Blue Cross
  • Cigna 
  • Premera Blue Cross 
  • Priority Health 
  • QualChoice Health Insurance 
  • Security Health Plan