Matt Eyles, President and CEO of AHIP, issued these comments after the Administration released its guidance for how health insurance providers in the commercial market should cover the costs of over-the-counter tests for COVID-19:
“Every day, more Americans are being diagnosed with COVID-19. From the beginning, health insurance providers have taken decisive action to cover the costs of tests to diagnose and treat COVID-19 – and we continue to do so. We learned a great deal through that commitment and other key actions on COVID-19, and we recognize that the Administration’s guidance takes steps to mitigate the real risks of price gouging, fraud, and abuse, which would limit access and reduce affordability for everyone.
“Health insurance providers will work as quickly as possible to implement this guidance in ways that limit consumer confusion and challenges. While there will likely be some hiccups in early days, we will work with the Administration to swiftly address issues as they arise.
“Testing plays an important role in protecting the public health, but we all know we cannot test our way out of this pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free, and we encourage everyone to talk with their clinicians about vaccines and boosters. Working together, we will overcome the COVID-19 crisis.”
Since the early days of the COVID-19 crisis, health insurance providers have taken many steps to help patients and curb the spread of the virus. Learn more about how health insurance providers are supporting Americans and encouraging everyone to get vaccinated.