No‑cost COVID‑19 treatment ending Sept. 30

As we reported in The Record previously, we’re ending our $0 member cost share for COVID‑19 treatment Sept. 30.

We’ll still pay for medically necessary treatment, but it will now be subject to member cost sharing. This change applies to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network, Medicare Plus Blue℠, BCN Advantage℠ and Medigap plans.

Effective Oct. 1, member cost sharing will apply for COVID‑19 treatment.**

Throughout the pandemic, we’ve implemented many short-term changes to help our providers and members during this difficult time. This included waiving authorization requirements and member cost sharing for COVID‑19 testing and treatments.

Many of our policies had end dates that were revised throughout the health emergency. We’re continuing to revise the end dates for temporary changes to our policies. For additional information, refer to this document.

We’ll continue to cover physician‑approved testing for the duration of the public health emergency, as required by federal guidelines.

**Some commercial self-funded groups may end the temporary waiver of member cost sharing on a different date. For example, MESSA is extending the waiver of member cost sharing through the end of 2021. Providers are encouraged to submit claims to Blue Cross and BCN, and wait for the voucher before charging member cost sharing, if applicable.