Workplaces throughout California have seen a huge surge in Covid-19 cases with some employees unable to return to work due to the inability to get tested. Hopefully, the answer is on the horizon. On January 10, 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that it is requiring insurance companies and group health plans to cover the cost of over the counter, at home Covid-19 tests starting January 15, 2022.
You heard correctly – beginning January 15th, individuals with private health insurance coverage or covered by a group health plan who purchase a Covid-19 diagnostic test that is FDA approved will have those test costs covered by their plan/insurance. While this plan covers up to 8 tests per covered individual per month, there is no limit on the number of tests, including at-home tests, if ordered or administered by a health care provider after a clinical assessment, or due to underlying medical conditions.
While insureds will have to contact their insurer to find out if the insurance company will reimburse the cost upfront, or whether you will first have to submit a claim to your plan and any other nuances based on your particular coverage. Do know, the Administration is working on incentivizing insurers and group health plans to set up programs so there are easy to access, designated pharmacies or other retailers so individuals have no out of pocket costs. Workplaces throughout California have seen a huge surge in Covid-19 cases with some employees unable to return to work due to the inability to get tested. Hopefully, the answer is on the horizon. On January 10, 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that it is requiring insurance companies and group health plans to cover the cost of over the counter, at home Covid-19 tests starting January 15, 2022.
You heard correctly – beginning January 15th, individuals with private health insurance coverage or covered by a group health plan who purchase a Covid-19 diagnostic test that is FDA approved will have those test costs covered by their plan/insurance. While this plan covers up to 8 tests per covered individual per month, there is no limit on the number of tests, including at-home tests, if ordered or administered by a health care provider after a clinical assessment, or due to underlying medical conditions. You can place your order for free home test here: https://special.usps.com/testkits.
Testing is critically important to reduce the spread of Covid-19 which can run rampant through the workplace. Early detection through antigen testing that is available over the counter to all by removing any financial barrier is one way to decrease the spread of the Coronavirus. Now we just need to make sure the shelves of your local pharmacy or retailer are restocked! For more information on Covid-19 testing for your employees, to ensure your workplace has a written Covid-19 Prevention Plan and you know how to respond to a report of a Covid-19 exposure or positive test, contact your local Employer Lawyers at Chauvel & Glatt . Our experienced attorneys are well versed in all-things Covid-19 and can ensure you are compliant with the latest Cal-OSHA and CDPH updates.
The material in this article, provided by Chauvel & Glatt, is designed to provide informative and current information as of the date of the post. It should not be considered, nor is it intended to constitute, legal advice or promise similar outcomes. For information on your particular circumstances, please contact Chauvel & Glatt at 650-573-9500. (photo credit: 123rf.com).