Medi-Cal and Medicare Providers Encouraged to Apply for Health and Human Services Provider Relief Funds
August 5, 2020 - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced a second extension to the application deadline for the Phase One general distribution of funds to help relieve impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds are available to eligible Medicaid managed care providers and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) providers.
HHS also announced that starting on August 10, 2020 HHS will allow Medicare providers who missed the opportunity for earlier distributions to apply for additional funding from the $20 billion portion of the $50 billion Phase One Medicare General Distribution. This reopened application period will last from August 10 to August 28, 2020.
For more information, please visit www.HHS.gov/providerrelief
Blue Shield of California extends copayment, coinsurance and deductible waivers for COVID-19 treatment through December 31, 2020
August 4, 2020 - Blue Shield of California will continue waiving copayments, coinsurance and deductible requirements for COVID-19 treatment for members who are covered under fully insured commercial HMO and PPO plans, and Medicare Advantage plans through December 31, 2020. These cost-sharing waivers also apply to members enrolled in self-funded or flex-funded plans administered by Blue Shield if the plan sponsor has elected to participate in the waiver. Cost-sharing for medical services is not applicable to Medi-Cal and Cal MediConnect plans.
Separately, Blue Shield continues to cover COVID-19 screening and testing in accordance with applicable state and federal law, throughout the declared COVID-19 public health emergency. That includes waiving cost-sharing for diagnostic testing and related screening services provided to individuals with symptoms or known or suspected exposure to COVID-19.
Visit our news center to read about other ways Blue Shield is helping to provide financial relief to members and providers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visit Blue Shield’s News Center
Blue Shield of California Announces Financial Support Options to Healthcare Providers in Response to COVID-19 Crisis
April 21, 2020 - As part of an over $200 million commitment to support healthcare providers and hospitals facing financial pressures resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Blue Shield of California has announced programs available to its network providers. For information about the programs, write to Financecommunication@blueshieldca.com.
Learn more details now at Blue Shield’s news center.