Numerous requests have come in regarding how our medical plans are responding to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Plans are following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Insurance (DOI) and/or the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC).
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Notice 2020-15 advising that, to remove any barriers to testing and treatment during the public health emergency caused by Covid-19, “all medical care services received and items purchased associated with testing for and treatment of Covid-19 that are provided by a health plan without a deductible, or with a deductible below the minimum annual deductible otherwise required under [Internal Revenue Code] Section 223(c)(2)(A) for a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), will be disregarded for purposes of determining the status of the plan as a HDHP” like the Health Savings Plan (HSP). Testing and treatment for COVID-19 will be covered under the umbrella of “preventive services.” The IRS cautions that the guidance only applies to the Covid-19 emergency and does not void any other requirements governing HDHPs and HSAs. You can read more information here.
As this is evolving, please refer the following links for more information and updates.
- UCnet Article “Your health plan’s response to COVID-19”
- Telemedicine Services through UC’s health plans
Members should be encouraged to call their medical plan on the phone number listed on their ID card for specific information.