No Cost-Sharing for Coronavirus Testing in NY

On March 2, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced new regulations on New York health insurers regarding coverage for coronavirus testing and related matters. The State Department of Financial Services (DFS) directive requires insurers to waive cost sharing for COVID-19 testing at emergency room, urgent care and office visits. In addition, Medicaid patients will not have to pay copays for COVID-19 testing.

The directive also outlined other requirements for insurers, including keeping consumers informed, improving telehealth programs for medical advice and treatment, covering the cost of a coronavirus vaccine if and when available, and ensuring coverage for emergency care without additional cost for services provided at out-of-network hospitals. The directive doesn’t apply to self-funded employer-based health plans that are not regulated by DFS.