BlueCross BlueShield Commits Nearly $3 Billion to Support Health Care Work Force, Communities

In the ongoing fight against COVID-19, BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) Association announced this week that its network of more than 36 independent and locally-operated BCBS companies and its federal employee program have committed close to $3 billion to support members, health care workers, and local communities.

“We are grateful to all of those on the front lines in the ongoing battle against COVID-19 who are fighting to ensure Americans can get and stay healthy during this unprecedented global pandemic,” said Scott Serota, BCBS Association president and CEO.

The funding will go towards better care for members, including broad support of nurses, doctors, and hospitals via donated medical supplies and shared resources, BCBS said in its press release. Funding will also be allocated to expand telehealth services and the continuation of waived cost-sharing for testing and treatment for COVID-19.

BCBS companies have executed a number of initiatives and committed to supporting local communities in a number of different ways, including:

• Supporting public health tracking through ongoing work with local officials to manage COVID-19 cases and allocate resources appropriately;
• Building out COVID-19 testing infrastructure; and
• Providing more than $4 million in personal protective equipment (PPE) to health care workers, first-responders and others.

BCBS has also committed to waiving prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and related covered services. The company has also improved access to prescription medications during the pandemic by waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day prescriptions.

“As local, independent organizations that have long served and met the unique needs of their communities,” Mr Serota explained in a company press release. “[BCBS] companies are well positioned to understand what each community needs most and are working alongside local officials, health care professionals and hospitals to ensure they have access to the resources and support they need to help improve the health of America.” —Edan Stanley