Washington Extends Emergency Order Waiving Deductibles And Copays for Coronavirus Tests

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order to Washington health insurers for 30 days, requiring them to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing for coronavirus.

Insurers also must continue:

• Allowing a one-time early refill for prescription drugs.
• Suspending any prior authorization requirement for treatment or testing of COVID-19.

In addition, if an insurer does not have enough medical providers in its network to provide testing or treatment for COVID-19, it must allow enrollees to be treated by another provider within a reasonable distance at no additional cost.

The extension is effective immediately and applies to all state-regulated health insurance plans and short-term limited duration medical plans until June 3.