Blue Cross NC Will Cover Coronavirus Testing

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is expanding coverage for coronavirus testing. It's among a number of steps the company is taking to prepare for the spread of the virus.  

Blue Cross NC says it's expanding coverage of COVID-19 testing for members, and waiving prior approval for those tests.

According to a news release, the coverage includes fully insured, Blue Cross NC Medicare Advantage and Federal Employee Program members. Self-funded employer groups can apply these changes to their employees' plans as well.

The company is also expanding access to virtual visits with primary care providers to help minimize the spread of infection and ease the burden on emergency rooms. It will expedite approvals for anyone requiring acute care in hospitals or at home.

And Blue Cross NC is waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day prescription medications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended patients have a 1-month supply of medication on hand.

Blue Cross says it will re-evaluate these measures in early April.

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here.