By: TAHP | Monday, November 16, 2020

November 16, 2020

Jamie Dudensing

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges for Texans and our nation, touching every facet of American life. In face of these challenges, TAHP and our members are doing all we can to keep Texans safe while providing continued support to and reducing burdens on patients and health care workers alike. Listed below are some ways health plans are proactively working to care for Texans and help them get access to the services and resources they need to stay healthy during the pandemic.

Providing Testing & Treatment at No Cost

Health insurance providers recognize that everyone should be able to get COVID-19 tests and treatment. That’s why they are eliminating patient costs for testing and related services; meaning no copay, coinsurance, or deductible is required from the patient. They are further covering the doctor visits, hospital stays, and treatments that patients need to recover. No one should hesitate to get tested or treated for COVID-19 because of costs. Learn more about what Texas Health plans are doing to help patients and how they are trying to be a part of the solution to the crisis.

Keeping Texans Covered

Texas Health Plans are making sure patients have the coverage they need. They are extending grace periods so that Texas businesses and families have more time to pay premiums and are providing new options to those who have recently lost employer-based insurance. The Texas Department of Insurance lists five ways consumers can stay covered.

Improving Access to Medication

Patients now need to be able to receive the care they need from the safety of their homes. Telemedicine programs provide Texans with care while reducing COVID-19 exposure and easing burdens on the health care system. Texans’ health and well-being are health plans’ highest priorities; plans are expanding telemedicine programs and eliminating patient costs for telemedicine services to encourage the use of these programs.

Encouraging & Expanding Telemedicine

Patients now need to be able to receive the care they need from the safety of their homes. Telemedicine programs provide Texans with care while reducing COVID-19 exposure and easing burdens on the health care system. Texans’ health and well-being are health plans’ highest priorities; plans are expanding telemedicine programs and eliminating patient costs for telemedicine services to encourage the use of these programs.

Supporting Local Communities & Front-Line Workers

The resilience of local communities and front-line workers is central to the fight against COVID. Health plans are enabling their doctors, nurses, and other licensed medical experts to serve on the front lines and are providing communities with additional services, such as digital risk assessment tools and emotional support lines, at no charge. They are further working with state, federal, and local officials in a variety of capacities, from offering specific policy and regulatory changes to assisting the Governor, Texas Legislature, Congress, and administration so that our health care systems can successfully fight the virus.