At-home covid tests now covered by insurance

[smokeybandit]

Of course this would just apply to Americans on the board. That'll help ease the cost burden a bit for cruising.

 

https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2022/01/10/biden-harris-administration-requires-insurance-companies-group-health-plans-to-cover-cost-at-home-covid-19-tests-increasing-access-free-tests.html

[mook1525]

So.. do we need to submit a reimbursement form to insurance company?? How exactly will they cover it?

[smokeybandit]

6 minutes ago, mook1525 said:

So.. do we need to submit a reimbursement form to insurance company?? How exactly will they cover it?

Based on the ruling, it all depends on how your insurance company approaches it.  Either submit for reimbursement or you buy them from your insurance company's preferred vendor.

[Eggbert]

Nice for insurance companies.

[Bart]

I didn't think the cruise lines accepted over-the-counter test. I thought they required proctored test which requires a prescription. 

[melmar02]

53 minutes ago, Bart said:

I didn't think the cruise lines accepted over-the-counter test. I thought they required proctored test which requires a prescription. 

Binax has an over the counter test that is proctored via video call - no Rx needed. It's not available at the drugstore and not valid for under unvaccinated under 12 since they would need a PCR. Royal Caribbean has a link to purchase on their website. 

[starbrat]

I work in private health insurance. I’ll keep you guys posted with what I hear. I have been at home with covid all week. Got my negative PCR results today and headed back in tomorrow. I’ll update on what I hear. 

[Tania]

I submitted mine to my insurance on 12/28.  It's still processing.  I'll keep you posted if it gets  denied/approved.

[Cameron]

Just for laughs, I am reading that it is not covered by Medicare (no information on supplemental/advantage plans or part D).  Also when out of network reimbursement is only up to $12.00.  Binax-now $69.00 plus tax for two...

[CruiseGus]

14 hours ago, melmar02 said:

Binax has an over the counter test that is proctored via video call - no Rx needed. It's not available at the drugstore and not valid for under unvaccinated under 12 since they would need a PCR. Royal Caribbean has a link to purchase on their website. 

From the Royal link - ie Optum  they are providing a Rx in the background that you never actually see, just like CVS and Walgreens do for tests. a test for cruises

Also Optum even back in Oct provides a statement / receipt that can be sent to your insurance.  eMed I have not seen one but really didn't look.

for me its to much hassle to jump through hoops for $30 a test for cruises to seek insurance reimbursment, i just consider it as Cost of Cruise.

[smokeybandit]

The Ag Card tests are OTC. You do not need to use a proctor to take the test. Just you can't use the results as anything other than peace of mind if you don't use the proctor.

[starbrat]

7 hours ago, Tania said:

I submitted mine to my insurance on 12/28.  It's still processing.  I'll keep you posted if it gets  denied/approved.

it doesn’t take effect till 1/15 saturday 

[starbrat]

6 hours ago, Cameron said:

Just for laughs, I am reading that it is not covered by Medicare (no information on supplemental/advantage plans or part D).  Also when out of network reimbursement is only up to $12.00.  Binax-now $69.00 plus tax for two...

Wait till after 1/15 to look. It’s not in effect yet m. 

[smokeybandit]

7 hours ago, Cameron said:

Just for laughs, I am reading that it is not covered by Medicare (no information on supplemental/advantage plans or part D).  Also when out of network reimbursement is only up to $12.00.  Binax-now $69.00 plus tax for two...

The out of network $12 only applies if your provider offers them in network to begin with. Still lots of TBDs on how providers will navigate the ruling.

[Riversong518]

Watch the prices go up and availability get worse…. Sigh…. Up to 8 per person per month? It’s nearly impossible to find any in my area already, without people hoarding 8 at a time… 

[Baked Alaska]

Anthem BC/BS is only covering them if you are sick and they will only send you one test kit per person. Also, they will only send it if your sick. It is not for travel, etc. They will not cover it if you buy it on your own.

[smokeybandit]

1 hour ago, Baked Alaska said:

Anthem BC/BS is only covering them if you are sick and they will only send you one test kit per person. Also, they will only send it if your sick. It is not for travel, etc. They will not cover it if you buy it on your own.

That violates the executive order though

[Cathyp]

The Binax test are Rx. That mean prescription. Insurance company’s are covering home tests not including the rx home tests. It’s the cost of cruising during a pandemic. 

[smokeybandit]

36 minutes ago, Cathyp said:

The Binax test are Rx. That mean prescription. Insurance company’s are covering home tests not including the rx home tests. It’s the cost of cruising during a pandemic. 

The tests are OTC. You do not need a prescription to buy and take the tests.  The "prescription" is the proctoring part of it that's completely optional.

[twangster]

14 hours ago, smokeybandit said:

That violates the executive order though

Not yet, but if they don't change their policy it will as of Saturday.  

[Fox Forlenza]

I see a lot of fraud happening.  It could easily be manipulated.  Another way for the government to stick additional costs to private insurers, thus increasing the premiums.  8 tests a month per person?  That's almost $200 worth of testing, starts adding up quickly.