Aetna has released new details on its COVID-19 testing program. The company has a simple-to-navigate page that outlines its program and reimbursement policy. The insurer says it will cover the cost of up to eight OTC at-home tests per month and that members who purchase them through a partner pharmacy will get their test kits free at checkout. Other tests will need to be submitted for reimbursement.
The White House has mandated that all health insurance companies start covering the costs of OTC at-home COVID-19 tests as of January 15. Insurers are allowed to set up partnerships with retailers and pharmacies to make the tests available for free at checkout, or they can reimburse members $12 a test. Insurers are also required to offer a free vaccination clinic for members who have close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with the virus.
Some group health plans have extended their COVID-19 coverage, and some states have set their own deadlines that are not tied to the end of the federal emergency. Aetna has been following these state and federal mandates and is extending its coverage to fully insured commercial plans until November 11, 2023. The company will continue working with regulators, stakeholders, and employers to ensure a strong, comprehensive response. In the meantime, it is continuing to update its resources and provide timely information about vaccinations and vaccine availability.
How to Reimburse a Covid Test With Aetna?
Health insurance companies have begun releasing details on how they will reimburse members for at-home Covid tests this week. Some insurers have offered upfront coverage at preferred pharmacies and retailers, while others require members to submit reimbursement claims. Many are also requiring members to save receipts and UPC codes for the test kits to qualify for the coverage.
Aetna, a CVS Health company, has an easy-to-navigate page detailing its testing policy. It says that its members can get free home-collection saliva tests at participating CVS pharmacies and that it will reimburse other test purchases up to $12 a month. It also offers a tool to find nearby stores that offer free tests. The site requires members to log in and confirm their insurance coverage before ordering a kit.
Other insurers, such as Cigna, have more complicated reimbursement policies. Its website requires customers to submit a claim online or by fax, and it includes an attestation that states the test was purchased for use as directed by a health care professional. The site also doesn’t include telehealth proctor-supervised BinaxNOW tests.
The White House’s new coronavirus testing program requires health insurance companies to cover the cost of eight at-home tests per month for their members. The system is intended to make it easier for people to get the tests, which can be as low as $12 apiece.