Gov. Tom Wolf announced today that through the federal stimulus bills
providers of COVID-19 testing and treatment services will be able to be
reimbursed for providing those services to uninsured patients. “All
Pennsylvanians should have access to necessary testing for COVID-19 and
this federal funding will help eliminate any financial burden on those
both providing and receiving tests,” Wolf said. The Department of Human
Services (DHS) also reminded Pennsylvanians of the continued
availability of health coverage through the state’s Medicaid program,
known as Medical Assistance (MA), or the Children’s Health Insurance
Program (CHIP).
“We are also pleased to work with the federal government to ensure that
people who are uninsured can receive COVID-19 testing and treatment
without worrying about how to pay for it. No Pennsylvanian should forego
medically-necessary testing for fear of what it might cost, and
providers will be able to collect payment for testing and services
directly from the federal government,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller.
“Affordable health care and access to it is a necessity at all times,
but it is especially vital during a health crisis. DHS is always working
to make sure that people who need coverage to protect themselves and
their children have it. I encourage anyone who may need coverage to
apply for Medicaid or CHIP.”
As part of the Family First Coronavirus Relief Act and CARES Act, the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will provide reimbursement
to health care providers generally at Medicare rates for testing
uninsured individuals for COVID-19 and treating uninsured individuals
with a COVID-19 diagnosis. Payments for uninsured individuals will be
administered through the Health Resources & Services Administration
(HRSA).
HRSA is accepting claims as of May 6 and will accept claims for services
dating back to February 4, 2020. Providers should access the HRSA
website at
https://coviduninsuredclaim.linkhealth.com/ to learn what
services are covered, determine who is eligible, submit claims, and find
more information.
COVID-19 testing is mandatory coverage for individual and marketplace
insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP. Pennsylvanians can apply online
for both Medicaid and CHIP at
www.compass.state.pa.us. Medicaid and
CHIP enroll individuals throughout the year and do not have a limited or
special enrollment time, so people needing health coverage can apply
for these programs at any time. There are income limits for Medicaid,
but no income limits for children to qualify for coverage through CHIP.
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