North Dakota's Insurance Commissioner has issued a bulletin to all North Dakota health and travel insurance companies to waive cost-sharing requirements for COVID-19 testing.
Jon Godfread says the bulletin also encourages insurance companies to review other operations in preparation for the coronavirus in the state. North Dakota currently has no confirmed cases. Godfread says waiving cost-sharing should help remove any barriers to potential patients getting proper tests and medical treatment.
"I think it should alleviate folks to know they can utilize their health care. So if you've got health insurance, there are options available. Generally when you go in for an office visit, you've got a co-pay with that or a portion of your deductible. By waiving that cost-sharing, it should relieve some of the burden or the barrier to having those folks access their health care."
The bulletin also outlines ten points the industry can employ to plan for the spread of COVID-19. It includes preparedness, access to information, testing, delivery of services, access to medications and no surprise medical bills.
