NEW YORK (WKBW) — New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Monday a new directive by the State Department of Financial Services (DFS) requiring New York insurance companies to waive cost sharing for coronavirus (COVID-19) testing.
Cuomo says cost cannot serve as a barrier to access to COVID-19 testing.
BREAKING: I am announcing a new directive requiring NY health insurers to waive cost sharing associated with testing for #coronavirus, including emergency room, urgent care and office visits.
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) March 3, 2020
We can't let cost be a barrier to access to COVID-19 testing for any New Yorker.
This includes emergency room, urgent care and office visits.
New Yorkers receiving Medicaid will not be expected to pay co-pays for any testing related to COVID-19.
"We have the best health-care system in the world, and we are leveraging that system including our state-of-the-art Wadsworth testing lab to help contain any potential spread of the novel coronavirus in New York," said Cuomo. "Containing this virus depends on us having the facts about who has it - and these measures will break down any barriers that could prevent New Yorkers from getting tested."
A release from the governor's office states DFS will have an emergency regulation that:
1. Prohibits health insurers from imposing cost-sharing on an in-network provider office visit or urgent care center when the purpose of the visit is to be tested for COVID-19.
2. Prohibits health insurers from imposing cost-sharing on an emergency room visit when the purpose of the visit is to be tested for COVID-19.
DFS has also issued guidance health insurers should follow to help with the impact of COVID-19.
