TAMPA, Fla. -- BayCare Health Plan announced Monday it would wave all out-of-pocket costs for all BayCarePlus Medicare Advantage members who have to under testing or treatment for COVID-19.
According to a press release, that includes all in-patient hospital admissions. BayCare says the announcement impacts nearly 8,000 Medicare beneficiaries.
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“Since the first signs of this pandemic, BayCare has been working to address the health needs of this community,” said Larry Costello, president of BayCare Health Plans. “Supporting our Medicare members in their time of need is the natural next step, and we are honored to be able to help them.”
The press release says any members who are hospitalized because of COVID-19 will be supported with a team of clinicians and case managers. All co-pays and cost-sharing related to testing for the virus will be waived, the press release said.
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“The health and well-being of the community is our top priority,” Costello said. “If one of our members contracts the virus, their concern should not be in how to afford their care. We will worry about that, so that they can focus on getting better.”
BayCarePlus is also waiving prior authorization requirements for any member being transferred from inpatient hospital care to post-acute facilities, according to the release. They are also encouraging members to avoid unnecessary trips to the doctor's office.