Mar 17, 2023
During the COVID-19 federal Public Health Emergency (PHE), Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Arizona (BCBSAZ) aligned with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) expanded health benefit coverage guidelines, such as covering COVID-19 testing and testing-related services at no out-of-pocket cost.
As the incidence of COVID-19 cases has continued to diminish, CMS announced the May 11, 2023, end to the PHE. Effective May 11, 2023, BCBSAZ benefits will return to standard benefit provisions.
What this means for your clients:
- COVID-19 testing and testing-related services (including telehealth visits for these services) will return to the standard benefit. Depending on your client’s benefit plan, they may have cost share responsibilities.
- Over-the-counter COVID-19 test costs will no longer be reimbursed.
- Standard requirements for pre-service review of COVID-19 testing, treatment, and admissions to post-acute care facilities will be reinstated.
- Approved COVID-19 vaccines will be covered as preventive services with no out-of-pocket costs when obtained in-network. Out-of-network (OON) vaccines will incur standard OON charges.
If members have questions regarding their plan’s standard benefits, please have them consult their benefit booklet on their online member portal at azblue.com/MyBlue.
Contact your Amwins Connect Regional Sales Manager for more information.
