Q: What is a COVID-10 diagnostic test?
A: A diagnostic test is used to determine if a person currently has COVID-19. It is done by testing a sample of the mucus from a person’s nose or throat or a sample of a person’s saliva to determine if that person has an active infection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the virus that causes COVID-19. There are several different types of diagnostic tests, including “PCR” and “antigen” tests.
Q: What is a COVID-19 antibody test (also sometimes referred to as a serology test)?
A: An antibody or serology test is used to determine if a person has previously had and recovered from COVID-19. It is done by testing a sample of a person’s blood to determine if that person has antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is the virus that causes COVID-19. It is very important to note that a positive result on an antibody test does NOT necessarily mean you are immune to getting COVID-19.
Q: Is diagnostic testing and diagnosis of COVID-19 covered at 100 percent?
A: Yes. Based on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, we cover any type of provider visit associated with diagnostic testing for COVID-19 with no member cost sharing, regardless of plan design. This includes care at Virtuwell, Doctor on Demand, Teladoc and all e-care visits.
Q: How will the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 be covered?
A: Based on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, HealthPartners plans will cover COVID-19 tests and any associated provider visit, including telehealth visits, with no member cost sharing. This is for all plan designs, including HSA-qualified plans.
The full cost of the testing and the associated diagnostic visit will be covered in instances where a test is administered and/or a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 has been made, HealthPartners will waive member cost sharing for COVID-19 tests and diagnosis-related provider visits. Additionally, the health plan covers medically necessary testing that is used to help determine care or treatment decisions or to inform medical advice specific to the patient. It is determined by the patient’s doctor or other appropriately licensed provider. If a member seeks care and is not tested for COVID-19, the health plan coverage applied for the visit will follow the member’s standard (i.e. non-COVID-19) health plan coverage and cost sharing benefits. The cost of testing for purposes of personal or business travel, employment reasons or public health programs are not covered by your health plan.
For fully insured plans, if a member has received a primary COVID-19 diagnosis AND is receiving care directly related to that COVID-19 diagnosis, HealthPartners is waiving member cost sharing for treatment through March 31, 2021. Self-insured plans have the option to waive member cost sharing for COVID-19 treatment, and each self-insured group will make its own decision. HealthPartners Member Services maintains current information regarding each employer’s decisions relating to coverage of COVID-19 related expenses, and will relay that information to covered members as it is requested.
In the majority of cases, most people are directed to self-care. These members will be told to self-quarantine and contact their provider as needed. Most people will recover without needing additional services.
HealthPartners Care Group provides COVID-19 testing at many locations. Patients must complete a screening and set-up an appointment prior to being tested. More information can be found here.
Q: Some providers are referring patients to virtual visits for non-COVID-19 situations. Are you covering all virtual visits at 100 percent?
A: Virtual visits for services not related to COVID-19 testing and diagnosis, including physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy, follow current plan coverage and cost sharing.