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Media contact: Public Affairs, (360) 725-7055
OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler issued a second emergency order (PDF, 282KB) directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the coronoavirus pandemic. His order is in effect for 60 days and requires health insurers to:
- Expand coverage to additional methods (www.hhs.gov) for providing telehealth including telephone and video chat tools such as FaceTime, Facebook Messenger video chat, Google Hangout video, Skype and GoToMeeting.
- Cover all medically-necessary diagnostic testing for flu and certain other viral respiratory illnesses billed during a provider visit for COVID-19 with no copay, coinsurance or deductible.
- Treat drive-up testing sites for COVID-19 as provider visit with no copay, coinsurance or deductible.
To help free up hospital beds, Kreidler is directing health insurers to waive or expedite prior authorization requirements for home health care or long-term care facility services. This will speed up patient discharges for those who are ready to leave.
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