Extended: Temporary provisions waiving COVID-19 treatment cost-sharing

Between Jan. 1, 2021 and Jan. 31, 2021, UnitedHealthcare has extended medically necessary network inpatient COVID-19 treatment at no cost share for fully insured groups and for All Savers and ASO groups that follow UnitedHealthcare COVID-19 coverage. This extension applies only to inpatient COVID-19 treatment with a COVID-19 diagnosis, and UnitedHealthcare Individual Exchange plans.

Implementation of the extension may apply to self-funded customers (ASO) that follow UnitedHealthcare fully insured, unless they chose to opt out. State variations and regulations may apply during this time.

Emergency room treatment will be covered at no cost share between Jan. 1, 2021 and Jan. 31, 2021 if the patient is admitted to the facility; otherwise, coverage will be according to plan benefits.

As a reminder, a new commercial telehealth reimbursement policy went into effect on Jan. 1, 2021. Most benefit plans will include telehealth visits with in-network providers. Members will be responsible for any copay, coinsurance or deductible according to their benefit plan. 

Cost share waivers for testing and test-related visit (including telehealth), when ordered by a physician or appropriately licensed health care professional for purposes of the diagnosis or treatment of an individual member, align with the national public health emergency period, currently scheduled to end Apr. 20, 2021.

If the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services extends the national public health emergency period, we will communicate that change shortly after it is announced.

More information

UnitedHealthcare COVID-19 Resource Center

COVID-19 FAQs

Please contact your broker or UnitedHealthcare representative with questions.