Insurers are scrambling to set up systems that reimburse Americans for rapid tests by Saturday deadline.
Program could create"consumer friction"
"We appreciate the [Biden] administration's efforts to address this challenge, including measures to protect against price gouging and abuse," BCBSA CEO Kim Keck said in a statement on Monday."That being said, we are concerned that the policy does not solve for the limited supply of tests in the country and could cause additional consumer friction as insurers stand up a program in just four days' time.
Anthem, a BCBSA company, told CBS MoneyWatch that it is still"reviewing the requirements regarding COVID-19 testing." The insurer is encouraging its members to stay tuned for updates. In a statement on its website, Geisinger even instructs members to save packaging from kits purchased beginning Jan. 15.InsuranceQuotes, which compares insurance plan costs for consumers, said the short timeline for implementing the rules means most insurers are unlikely to be ready by Saturday to enable customers to get tests for free.
"Individuals without a direct-coverage option will have to submit for reimbursement through a written claim or an online submission process. Then that will have to work its way through what the process is before they get a reimbursement check," said Wade Symons, a benefits manager for Mercer Health, a benefits consulting agency."It is not ideal for individuals, especially if they are in frequent need of tests. It could create significant out of pocket costs.
Ceci Connolly, CEO of the Alliance of Community Health Plans, an advocacy group that represents 25 nonprofit health plans, said insurers have been working around the clock to set up preferred retail networks so consumers can get free test kits.
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