Insurance changes expected with widely available COVID vaccine

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – The cost of COVID-19 treatment can run into the tens of thousands of dollars if you are a patient in the hospital. Most insurance companies have waived cost-sharing fees like copayments and deductibles, but could that change?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas said they continue to forgo deductibles and co-payments for now, but at the end of the year they will revert to normal coverage in their plans.

Kansas hospitals continue to be filled with COVID patients, the vast majority of whom are unvaccinated. With COVID-19 vaccines widely available, some insurance companies will stop paying deductibles, co-payments and coinsurance.

“At this point, at the end of the year, we will resume our coverage with cost sharing for our members,” said Katrina McGovern, director of corporate communications for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.

Eyewitness News reached out to the Kansas Department of Insurance to see what it can say to Kansans for the coming year, particularly after Delta Airlines added an additional $ 200 per month insurance charge for its non-employees. vaccinated.

The Insurance Department said this is a gray area and expects further guidance from the federal government.

So what if you are a Blue Cross and Blue Shield member who is not vaccinated? Will this play a role in 2022?

“Members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas do not have to worry about whether they are going to a hospital or receiving treatment from their doctor’s office to find out whether or not they will be checked for their immunization status.” . We will pay these claims regardless, ”said McGovern.

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