As cases rise, Highmark extends coverage of treatment and telemedicine

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – With the number of COVID-19 cases growing throughout Delaware, Highmark has announced that members who require in-network, inpatient hospital care for COVID-19 will not have to worry about paying cost-sharing such as deductibles, coinsurance and copays through March 31, 2021. The health insurer had previously made the decision to waive cost-sharing for in-network, inpatient COVID-19 related hospital care through Dec. 31, 2020.  Self-funded employer groups for which Highmark administers benefits may, however, opt-out of this waiver.

“As we near the end of 2020, we are seeing a surge in positive COVID-19 cases and an increase in hospitalizations,” said Deborah Rice-Johnson, President of Highmark in a statement. “Since February 2020, our members have been able to receive treatment for COVID-19 without having to worry about copays or coinsurance, and we are committed to ensuring members can continue to receive that care through the first three months of 2021.”

With this announcement, Highmark is also extending the waiver of cost-sharing for in-network telehealth visits through March 31.  As with COVID-19 treatment, self-funded employer groups for which Highmark administers benefits may also opt-out of this waiver.

Highmark will also cover COVID-19 vaccines free of charge to its members once approved by the federal government and made available by state agencies.