© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

10 insurance companies agree to cover COVID-19 treatment at no cost to patients in Michigan

steve carmody
/
Michigan Radio

The state of Michigan has agreements from nearly all of the state’s health insurance companies to waive patient costs tied to COVID-19 testing and treatments.

The agreements cover copays, deductibles and coinsurance for coronavirus treatment that includes testing, primary care and emergency room visits, ambulance rides and FDA approved vaccines and medications when they’re available.

“Michiganders that are fighting for their lives should not have the extra burden of fighting with their health insurer to cover the costs of their care,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

According to the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, the Affordable Care Act caps out-of-pocket health care expenses on individuals at $8,150 per year and $16,300 per family.

The ten insurance companies that have signed on include Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Aetna, Humana and McLaren Health.

“The health and safety of our members is our No. 1 priority at this time,” said Nancy Jenkins, president and CEO of McLaren Health Plan. “It’s important to remove barriers during these unprecedented times so our members can get care and treatment when they need it.”

More than 22,000 Michiganders have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Most cases are asymptomatic to only having mild symptoms.

But some require lengthy hospital stays and life-saving treatment.

Want to support reporting like this? Consider making a gift to Michigan Radio today.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
Related Content