Cuomo orders insurance companies to waive cost sharing for coronavirus testing

Andrew Cuomo

FILE - In this Feb. 25, 2019 file photo, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a bill signing ceremony in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)AP

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday a directive by the State Department of Financial Services (DFS) that will require New York insurance companies to lower patients’ costs associated with testing for the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Cuomo also announced that New Yorkers receiving Medicaid coverage will not be expected to pay a co-pay for any coronavirus testing, adding that the measures are aimed at ensuring cost does not serve as a barrier for testing.

“We can’t let cost be a barrier to access to COVID-19 testing for any New Yorker,” Cuomo said on Twitter.

Cuomo said the directive to waive cost sharing in regard to the coronavirus test will include emergency room, urgent care and office visits.

All tests currently being conducted at the State’s Wadsworth Lab — where the first positive case in New York was identified on Sunday — are fully covered, Cuomo said.

“We have the best health-care system in the world, and we are leveraging that system including our state-of-the-art Wadsworth testing lab to help contain any potential spread of the novel coronavirus in New York,” Cuomo said. “Containing this virus depends on us having the facts about who has it - and these measures will break down any barriers that could prevent New Yorkers from getting tested.”

In addition, Cuomo said health insurers are being required or advised to keep New Yorkers informed regarding available benefits, and also offer, where possible, telehealth medical advice and treatment.

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New York City’s public health lab also began conducting its own testing for coronavirus today — several days earlier than previously expected, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Twitter.

“This will help us diagnose people in hours instead of days,” de Blasio wrote on Twitter.

Previously, samples had to be sent to the Center for Disease Control’s lab in Atlanta, which would cause a delay of at least two days. Currently, the city and state are partnering with each other and health care facilities to test for the disease (COVID-19).

De Blasio added that the city would be coordinating with the Health Department to deploy an “early detection system” that would let medical providers pool and share information about suspected cases and symptoms.

“There is no pre-scripted timeline for this crisis,'' de Blasio said. "It could be with us for months. The best ways to keep yourself healthy are the same steps we urge everyone to take in flu season: Wash your hands often and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.”

The most recent update comes hours after Gov. Andrew Cuomo, de Blasio and leading health officials from across the state briefed the public Monday to urge calm following the state’s first confirmed case of COVID-19.

According to officials, the only confirmed case in New York is a 39-year-old female healthcare worker residing in Manhattan who began exhibiting symptoms of the virus after returning from Iran on Tuesday.

Officials said the only person she had prolonged contact with was her husband, who is also a health worker, and both are following protocols remaining in her home.

Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that only those with close contact to someone exhibiting symptoms are at serious risk of contracting the disease.

As of Monday afternoon, the World Health Organization (WHO) said there are 88,948 confirmed cases globally, with 1,804 new cases within the last 24 hours. There have been 2,915 deaths in China — where the virus began — and 128 deaths outside the country, the WHO said. It is likely that there are additional cases, health officials said.

The CDC’s site officially said there are two confirmed deaths in the United States. However, the Washington State Health Department announced an additional four deaths today — bringing the death total to six in the U.S.

Health officials said the best preventative measures at this time include covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and being sure to frequently and thoroughly wash your hands. Both the governor and mayor said anyone who thinks they may be sick should seek testing.

Those in the city who might not have easy access to healthcare should call 311.

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