UnitedHealthcare Expands Resources, Waives Testing Costs for COVID-19

UnitedHealthcare announced  several updates to provide people and families improved access to care and resources throughout the  outbreak.

Among these new expanding offerings are access to testing and medical care, medication, telehealth services—including virtual care options with symptom checkers for members to assess their COVID-19 risk.

“In response to COVID-19 we are taking actions to support our members by significantly expanding access to our telehealth, virtual care and digital capabilities for patients and their health care practitioners,” said Dirk McMahon, CEO of UnitedHealthcare. “We are making every effort to protect the health of our members by keeping them safe in their homes while still enabling them to get the care they need.”

Per the press release, the company will waive costs for COVID-19 testing provided at approved locations in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Further, the company “will waive copays, coinsurance, and deductibles for visits associated with COVID-19 testing, whether the care is received in a physician’s office, an urgent care center, or an emergency department” for Medicare Advantage and Medicare members.

Early prescription refills will be made available to eligible UnitedHealthcare and OptumRx members if they call the customer care line.

The health insurance company shared that they are offering telehealth services in two ways: designated telehealth partners—with whom services will be made available for free, and expanded access for the next 90 days with in-network providers for free.

“We are rapidly expanding access to our personalized digital care platform to those who need it most, including our highest-risk members,” UnitedHealthcare said the press release. “This interactive platform provides the most up-to-date information about prevention, coverage, care and support needed to rapidly assess symptoms, schedule an in person or a telehealth visit with their provider, talk to a nurse, refill or schedule home delivery for prescriptions, and to access emotional support 24 hours a day.” —Edan Stanley