Humana Waiving Copays

No out-of-pocket costs for covered telemedicine services TRICARE will now waive cost-shares, copayments and deductible (if applicable) for covered telemedicine services from a military provider or TRICARE network provider. This waiver applies to all covered in-network telemedicine services, not just the services related to COVID-19.
In addition, Humana will waive member cost share in 2021 on COVID-19 testing and related services for Medicare Supplement, fully-insured group commercial and self-insured group commercial plan members during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).

As a number of states start to come online and reopen, Humana has announced that it is waiving member costs for all primary care and behavioral health visits for its 4.5 million Medicare Advantage members through the end of the year.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.- (BUSINESS WIRE)- Today, Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) announced additional actions to help protect, inform and care for its nearly 4.5 million Medicare Advantage members. During this time of uncertainty, Humana continues to invest in efforts to help people achieve their best health and that now includes waiving all cost sharing—including copays, coinsurance, and deductibles—for in-network.

During this time of uncertainty, Humana continues to invest in efforts to help people achieve their best health and that now includes waiving all cost sharing—including copays, coinsurance,. Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization and a stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Humana is also a Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal.

For its population of seniors enrolled in its MA plans, Humana is waiving all cost sharing, including copays, coinsurance and deductibles – for in-network primary care and behavioral health – for both in-person and telehealth visits.

These expanded cost-share waivers are effective as of May 1 and will remain in place through the end of 2020.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Humana is waiving in-network primary care costs, not only for COVID-19 costs, but all primary care visits for the rest of 2020. In addition, the company is waiving member costs for outpatient, non-facility-based behavioral health visits through the end of year.

Behavioral health issues, like depression, may be exacerbated because of the pandemic.

By eliminating these costs, members can re-engage with their physicians for primary care and behavioral health needs whether in-person or virtually.

The company is also delivering safety kits to members' homes that include masks and health-advice information.

THE LARGER TREND

The announcement follows new company COVID-19 prevention standards the company announced this week for its senior-focused primary care subsidiaries.

Many insurers have waived out-of-pocket costs related to testing and treatment for the coronavirus, and some, such as Humana, have waived cost-sharing for inpatient care.

Humana has also expanded telehealth services for at-home care, connected at-risk members with food delivery and expanded pharmacy deliveries.

ON THE RECORD