LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville-based Humana announced patients with coronavirus will not have to pay for treatment. The company previously announced it would cover out-of-pocket costs related to coronavirus testing. Now, costs related to treatment for COVID-19 — including inpatient hospital admissions — will be waived for enrollees of Medicare Advantage plans, fully insured commercial members, Medicare Supplement and Medicaid.

The waiver includes all medical costs related to the treatment of COVID-19 as well as medications or vaccines when they become available. 

“We know we’re uniquely positioned to help our members during this unprecedented health crisis,” said Bruce Broussard, President, and CEO of Humana. “It’s why we’re taking this significant action to help ease the burden on seniors and others who are struggling right now. No American should be concerned about the cost of care when being treated for coronavirus.”

Senate Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, released a statement praising Humana for its efforts.

“Humana is once again putting its customers first and helping them get the coronavirus treatment they need regardless of their circumstances. Increasing the accessibility of treatment for this virus will not only help reduce the spread, but it can also limit its economic damage. Of course, this level of generosity comes as no surprise from a company so focused on investing in families and communities in our Commonwealth and across the country.”

Humana will cover the member responsibility under the plan benefits for COVID-19-related services whether treatment is delivered by in-network or out-of-network providers.

Humana is also:

  • Lifting administrative requirements for members infected with coronavirus and for all patients in settings where capacity is stretched by the needs of those infected by coronavirus. The change allows for unencumbered movement from inpatient hospitals to safe, medically appropriate post-acute care settings, including home health, long-term acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, etc. 
  • Waiving member cost-share for all telehealth services delivered by participating/in-network providers and accepting audio-only telephone visits for reimbursement
  • Waiving the out-of-pocket costs (copays, coinsurance, and deductibles) associated with COVID-19 testing, including related visit costs in a range of clinical settings such as a physician’s office, urgent care center or emergency department
  • Allowing early prescription refills, so members can prepare for extended supply needs – an extra 30- or 90-day supply as appropriate