COVID-19 Update: Families First Coronavirus Response Act

To remove barriers to seeking care, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act requires all group health plans and health insurers, including grandfathered health plans under the ACA, to cover testing for COVID-19 without any cost sharing (co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles). The language of the bill does not limit this requirement to in-network services. Until we receive further guidance from the federal government, we are interpreting this requirement to apply to both in and out of network services. 
 
MedCost is preparing plan amendments for all clients reflecting coverage of testing without any cost sharing. While we will require a signature for this amendment, MedCost will proceed with implementing this federally mandated coverage immediately upon the bill’s passage, even if we have not yet received your signed amendment. 
 
This bill does not address treatment for COVID-19. However, as we previously communicated, plans may opt to waive cost sharing for treatment as well. Your MedCost Account Manager will be reaching out to re-confirm each Plan’s preference regarding coverage for treatment. 
 
As a reminder, waivers of cost sharing for COVID-19 testing and/or treatment will not interfere with your members’ ability to contribute to HSA accounts. 
 
We continue to closely monitor this bill and all aspects of the COVID-19 situation and will communicate with you regarding pertinent developments. You can also stay up to date by visiting our website.