As we continue to learn more and address the novel coronavirus and its resulting illness COVID-19, we want to update you on important coverage information around its testing, treatment and care.
WellCare will be extending coverage for COVID-19. This important step is being taken in partnership with other major insurers and with the support of the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
We intend to cover COVID-19 testing and screening services for Medicare members and are waiving all associated member cost share amounts for COVID-19 testing and screening. To ensure that our members receive the care they need as quickly as possible, WellCare will not require prior authorization, prior certification, prior notification or step therapy protocols for these services.
This coverage extension follows the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) guidance that coronavirus tests will be fully covered without cost-sharing for Medicare and Medicaid plans, a decision that WellCare fully supports for our members covered under these programs. We also support the administration’s guidance to provide more flexibility to Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. The specific guidance includes:
- Waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 tests
- Waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatments in doctor’s offices or emergency rooms and services delivered via telehealth
- Removing prior authorizations requirements
- Waiving prescription refill limits
- Relaxing restrictions on home or mail delivery of prescription drugs
- Expanding access to certain telehealth services
WellCare has been working in close partnership with state, local and federal authorities to serve and protect patients during the COVID-19 outbreak, including ensuring that its members and providers have the most up-to-date information to protect themselves and their families from the virus. We remain committed to protecting our communities during the outbreak.
To ensure you are keeping your environment safe from the coronavirus, please refer to the CDC guidelines.
