DURHAM, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) announced that it will cover members’ cost for COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease -19) testing and will not require prior approval for COVID-19 testing and will speed access to other medically necessary services for any members who are diagnosed with the disease.
These changes apply to Blue Cross NC’s fully insured, Medicare Advantage and Federal Employee Program members. Self-funded employer groups will be given the option to apply these changes to their employees’ plans.
“Blue Cross NC holds the health and safety of all members as top priority,” said Dr. Von Nguyen, vice president of clinical operations and innovations at Blue Cross NC. “While it may not be certain exactly how much the Coronavirus will spread, we want members to rest assured that they’ll be covered.”
Blue Cross NC announced earlier this week that the company is taking specific steps to improve our members’ access to doctors and medications as it monitors COVID-19. Those steps include:
- Expanding virtual access to doctors
Visits to doctors that previously required a face-to-face encounter can now be performed virtually so long as they are medically necessary and meet criteria. This will further encourage the use of virtual visits and allow doctors to monitor members at home, minimizing the spread of infection and easing the burden on emergency rooms.
- Increasing access to medications
Blue Cross NC will waive early medication refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications consistent with the CDC recommendation to have a 1-month supply of medication on hand. Member cost sharing will apply as normal.
These measures will remain in effect for a 30-day period, starting March 6, and then be re-evaluated. Blue Cross NC covers doctor visits to screen for COVID-19 the same as any other doctor visit, based on a member’s health plan.
Blue Cross NC will provide updates to members as necessary. More information can be found at BlueCrossNC.com/Coronavirus.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is committed to making health care better, simpler and more affordable since 1933. We have been driving better health in North Carolina for generations, working to tackle our communities’ greatest health challenges. We serve our customers and communities of more than 3.8 million members, including approximately 1.1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at www.bluecrossnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.