COVID-19 Test and Vaccine Coverage FAQs Clarified

1.5 minute read

The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury issued new FAQ guidance to help clarify health coverage requirements related to COVID-19.

COVID-19 services and diagnostic items must be covered by health plans and issuers without cost sharing. The FAQs explain that health plans and issuers:

• Cannot use medical screening criteria to deny a claim for COVID-19 diagnostic testing for an asymptomatic person
• Can distinguish between COVID-19 diagnostic testing of asymptomatic people that must be covered, and testing for general workplace safety and health
• Assume that a test is for individualized clinical assessment if provided by a licensed or authorized provider

The FAQ provides guidance about:

• Coverage of COVID-19 vaccines and other preventive care services
• Notice requirements about coverage of preventive care services for plan and issuers
• Requirements for Employee Assistance Programs and on-site clinics that administer vaccines to be excepted benefits

Download the bulletin for more details.

This blog is intended to be a compilation of information and resources pulled from federal, state, and local agencies. This is not intended to be legal advice. For up to the minute information and guidance on COVID-19, please follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local health organizations.