The decision, which will affect Aetna’s commercially insured members, aims to improve access to COVID-19 treatment by eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for patients. The move builds on measures taken by Aetna to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19-related telemedicine and testing.
The policy, effective immediately for any admission through June 1, only applies to inpatient admissions at in-network facilities. It covers treatment for COVID-19 or health complications associated with the disease.
In addition, Aetna is lifting prior approval requirements in hard-hit states like New York and Washington for COVID-19 hospitalizations. The insurer is also working with hospitals to expedite transfers of patients who don’t have COVID-19 to other appropriate care settings.
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