Must Local Government Plans Comply with COVID-19 Mandates?

COVID-19 Mandate

Application to Non-Federal Governmental Plans

Requires group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance to cover (without cost-sharing) any qualifying coronavirus preventive service and shall take effect 15 business days after the date on which the recommendation is made relating to the "qualifying coronavirus preventive service."

Requires group health plans and a health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage, including grandfathered plans, to provide coverage, with no cost-sharing, for in vitro diagnostic products and items and services furnished to an individual during health care provider office visits (includes in-person and telehealth), urgent care center visits, and emergency room visits related to in vitro diagnosis.

Requires the waiver of cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and office visits under Medicare and Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, CHIP, Tricare, coverage for veterans and federal civilians, and Indians covered through the Indian Health Services.

Provides relief via deadline extensions for HIPAA special enrollment, COBRA, claims procedures, external review process, and furnishing ERISA required notices.

Telehealth and other remote care services without a deductible or with a deductible below the minimum annual deductible will not disqualify an individual from contributing to an HSA for plans beginning on or before December 31, 2021. This is not limited to coverage for COVID-19 related services.