​Coronavirus Testing, Doctor Visits Must Be Covered: Wisconsin

MADISON, WI — Testing for COVID-19 must be covered by private health insurance, including co-pays for office, urgent care, and emergency department visits, Wisconsin officials said Tuesday.

The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance issued a notice to insurers Tuesday aimed at clarifying federal requirements detailed in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Corona Virus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

“We need folks to know that testing for COVID-19 is available and can be accessed without any out-of-pocket costs,” Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable said Tuesday. “Under federal law, most insurers cannot require cost-sharing like co-pays for office, urgent care, or emergency department visits. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone with the disease, get tested.”

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Free community testing sites are also available for Wisconsinites. Access a full list of free testing sites here.

People with private insurance who have been tested for COVID-19 and received a bill to cover office visits or handling costs should talk to their insurer about having those services covered without cost-sharing, state officials said.

Wisconsinites can also file a complaint with OCI online complaint here or by calling 1-800-236-8517, according to state officials. Any office visit during which a provider determines a COVID-19 test is needed and orders a test must also be covered by most insurers without cost-sharing.

More information can be found in the complete notice to insurers here.

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