BCBS Oklahoma extends telemedicine coverage through Aug. 31

Posted on: 7/2/20

BCBS has updated some coverage dates by extending the cost-share waivers for telemedicine and COVID-19 treatment through Aug. 31. (Telemedicine for Medicare members is extended to Dec. 31.)  For more from BCBS, go to https://bit.ly/3ghnOuT.

The linked page says in part: “Telemedicine visits are an option under most of our member benefit plans. With COVID-19, we temporarily lifted cost-sharing for medically necessary medical services provided via telemedicine with local providers and MDLIVE. The cost-share waiver is scheduled to end Aug. 31, 2020. We will continue to monitor and adjust that end date appropriately. After the end date, cost share will again be applied to telemedicine visits and members may be responsible for copays, deductibles and coinsurance consistent with the terms of the member’s benefit plan.”

OHA made an inquiry to BCBS Oklahoma on behalf of a member hospital in June: “There is a rumor payors in Oklahoma are planning to lower telehealth reimbursement July 1.  This is despite the governor’s executive orders on telemedicine on COVID still being place although it does not specifically address reimbursement. Is BC planning any changes to telehealth reimbursement starting July 1?” Answer: No, the only scheduled change is an end to the temporary cost-sharing waiver for members, which is in place through Aug. 31. There is no plan to lower provider reimbursement. As part of our COVID-19 response, we did expand coverage to allow for reimbursement of “non-face-to-face” (telephone, etc.) office visits. We do not plan to discontinue that change on July 1, but will be collaborating with OHA about permanent changes moving forward. (Sandra Harrison)