Blue Cross, Blue Shield Reverses Coronavirus Treatment Decision

PROVIDENCE, RI — Blue Cross, Blue Shield reversed its decision to stop covering COVID-19 treatments with no out-of-pocket costs Monday, following pushback from state leaders. The waiver will now remain in place until the end of the state of emergency in Rhode Island.

Last week, the company announced it would stop providing treatment free of charge to members, though vaccine and testing costs would still be provided without out-of-pocket costs, a statement from the company said.

The announcement sparked pushback from state leaders, including Health Insurance Commissioner Patrick Tigue, who said he was "concerned" by the decision.

"It is a priority of Gov. [Dan] McKee and I to ensure that Rhode Islanders are protected from the harm that COVID_19 presents to their health and financial well-being," Tigue said in a statement. "It is my hope that commercial health insurers operating in Rhode Island will waive cost-sharing through the end of the public health emergency."

Blue Cross, Blue Shield made the decision to continue the waiver, which was slated to expire April 1, following discussions with Tigue and McKee's offices, the company said, as well as feedback from customers.

"At Blue Cross, we recognize that even with the availability of vaccines growing, many of our members are facing serious hardships and challenges due to the ongoing pandemic," Interim President Michele Lederberg said. "We appreciate our open dialogue with OHIC and specifically, Commissioner Patrick Tigue, and will continue our coordinated efforts to help Rhode Islanders."