Free Coronavirus Testing Under Largest IL Insurance Companies

ILLINOIS — The largest insurance companies in Illinois — Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, UnitedHealthcare and Cigna — say they will fully cover costs of coronavirus testing for their members.

The policy comes ahead of expectations that commercially produced coronavirus tests will soon become more readily available, according to the Chicago Tribune. So far in Illinois, residents have only been tested for the Illinois as part of public health efforts, whether they have symptoms of the illness or have been in close contact with someone who tested positive for coronavirus.

On Sunday, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady said the CDC defines "close contact" as having been within six feet of an individual for at least 10 minutes.

Free coronavirus testing is already available in California, New York, Vermont and Maryland, where officials have ordered health insurance companies not to charge residents who get tested, MarketWatch reported.

Aetna is also waiving co-pays for telemedicine visits for its members — for any reason — for the next 90 days. The company called telemedicine the "first line of defense" to limit possible coronavirus exposure to healthcare providers and others by using video visits rather than going to the doctor in-person.

The co-pay waiver will apply to all video visits through the CVS MinuteClinic app, Aetna-covered Teladoc offerings and in-network providers delivering virtual care, or live video conferencing.

Last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he planned to meet with CEOs from the largest insurance companies in the state to talk about accessibility and affordability of care as concerns around the coronavirus grows.

"We are on alert for any price gouging or unfair practices," Pritzker said.

He also said anyone with concerns about coronavirus can contact a state hotline for information or to report a potential case. Residents can reach the hotline at 1-800-889-3931, email DPH.SICK@ILLINOIS.GOV or visit the IDPH website.

Total number of presumptive cases: 11

• Cases 1 and 2: A Chicago couple in their 60s; since recovered
• Cases 3 and 4: A suburban Cook County couple in their 70s; in home isolation
• Case 5: Man in his 20s who traveled to Italy; released from hospital and in home isolation
• Case 6: Chicago woman in her 50s who was on a Grand Princess cruise; hospitalized in isolation in stable condition
• Case 7: A Chicago man in his 70s who is believed to be the first case of community exposure; he is in serious condition
• Cases 8 and 9: Two women — one in her 50s and one in her 70s — who are related to the 6th patient; they are in good condition
• Case 10: A California woman visiting Illinois; she is in good condition
• Case 11: A woman in her 70s who recently returned from an Egyptian cruise; she is in good condition

2nd Illinois High School Closes Over Coronavirus Exposure

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More Than 100 Monitored After Exposure To Coronavirus Patients

Nationwide numbers: More than 560 cases in 34 states and Washington, D.C.; 22 deaths

This is a developing story, check back for updates

Tips from the CDC on dealing with coronavirus

While the best way to prevent illness is to avoid virus exposure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention generally recommends taking these actions to prevent the spread of viruses:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.