State health care changes continue

OLYMPIA—Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order requiring health insurers to cover telehealth and copays for testing. On Friday, July 17, Kreidler directed all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to help consumers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The orders are in effect until August 16 and include coverage for treatments and testing necessary during the current pandemic. Health insurers must continue coverage for telehealth service, and visits to drive-up testing sites are to be billed as provider visits with no copays or deductibles. Medically necessary diagnostic testing for flu and certain other viral respiratory illnesses during a provider visit for COVID-19 must also be covered with no copay, coinsurance, or deductible.

To help free up hospital beds, Kreidler is also directing health insurers to waive or expedite prior authorization requirements for home healthcare or long-term care facility services to speed up discharging patients who are ready to leave. 

“This continues to be a critical time for all Washingtonians, and we need to provide safe and flexible access to care,” Kreidler said. “During this unprecedented time, people should not have to worry about their insurance coverage.”