On March 18, the President signed H.R. 6201—the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)—to provide relief during this global pandemic.
Here’s what you need to know:
During any portion of the declared emergency period, self-funded ERISA and non-ERISA (church, state and local governmental plans) group health plans and health insurers offering group or individual health insurance coverage—including grandfathered health plans:
- Must provide coverage
- Must not impose any cost sharing requirements, including deductibles, co-payments, and coinsurance
- Must not impose prior authorization or other medical management requirements
For the following items and services furnished:
- In vitro diagnostic products for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 or the diagnosis of the virus that causes COVID-19 that are approved, cleared, or authorized under section 510(k), 513, 515 or 564 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the administration of such in vitro diagnostic products.
- Items and services furnished to an individual during healthcare provider office visits—including in-person visits, telehealth visits, urgent care center visits, and emergency room visits—that result in use of the diagnostic product described above.
Any members paying a copay for Teladoc consultation resulting in the above mentioned diagnostic tests will be reimbursed via a check sent to the member’s home for the amount of the consult fee.
To view information regarding pricing of COVID-19 tests, click here.
The FFCRA provides businesses with fewer than 500 employees refundable tax credits to reimburse them for the cost of providing paid sick and family leave wages related to COVID-19. The IRS has released comprehensive FAQs about these tax credits for employers providing this paid leave as required in the FFCRA.
For continuing updates on COVID-19, please visit the CDC website.