UPMC Health Plan Extends Cost Waivers for In-network Telehealth and Inpatient COVID-19 Treatment Through July 20

Pittsburgh (May 7, 2021) – UPMC Health Plan today announced that members’ out-of-pocket cost waivers for in-network telehealth and inpatient COVID-19 treatments are now extended to July 20, 2021, as permitted under current state and federal emergency declarations. The Health Plan also reminded all Pennsylvanians of expanded health coverage options and tax credits available from federal, COVID relief-focused legislation.

Cost-Sharing Waiver Extensions/Monoclonal Antibody Treatments
UPMC Health Plan will waive all member cost-sharing such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance through July 20 for selected in-network COVID-19 treatments, including inpatient hospital services and emerging, proven therapies such as monoclonal antibody treatments offered by UPMC. According to UPMC clinical leaders, this is the only treatment that has been shown to improve outcomes for mild to moderate COVID-19 cases, and UPMC is providing this treatment to individuals who meet certain guidelines. Speak with your doctor or visit upmc.com/coronavirus/monoclonal-antibodies for more information.

In addition, UPMC Health Plan will continue waiving all deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance for in-network telehealth (virtual) visits with a health care provider, including through UPMC AnywhereCare through July 20. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these types of visits have become increasingly popular with consumers and their providers. Both before and during the current public health emergency, UPMC Health Plan has covered a wide range of telehealth services for preventive care, acute care, and medical condition management—both physical and behavioral. These expanded services give particular focus to critical services and supports, like behavioral health and counseling, that allow patients to access the health care system using a mobile device, computer, or telephone.

Expanded Health Coverage Options and Tax Credits
The recently passed American Rescue Plan offers significant savings for Pennsylvanians who are seeking individual market coverage or already enrolled in an individual plan. Pennsylvania taxpayers and their spouses receiving unemployment compensation in 2021 will also be eligible for the maximum levels of financial assistance through Pennie, Pennsylvania’s state-based health insurance exchange. Many of these households will be able to enroll in a silver plan in their area with a $0 premium for the remainder of 2021, if they otherwise qualify. Expanded relief this year also includes additional advance premium tax credits (APTC) and cost sharing reductions (CSR) to significantly reduce the cost of health coverage and expand assistance eligibility for moderate income households.

In addition to helping consumers take advantage of this savings opportunity, Pennie and UPMC Health Plan are extending the current COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period for both on-and off-Marketplace plans until August 15, 2021.

With COVID-19 infections remaining a serious health threat, existing and new Pennsylvania enrollees have an additional four months to find a health care plan that is affordable and works for them—while keeping their families safe and protected.

"As a health plan offering exchange-based coverage in 53 counties and the only insurer in six of these, UPMC Health Plan is committed to helping Pennsylvanians assess their options and fully understand the additional relief offered under the American Rescue Plan," said Diane Holder, President and CEO, UPMC Health Plan.

UPMC Health Plan offers a variety of health plans and services to meet a range of individual needs. Individuals can find more information on coverage for individuals or their families at UPMC Health Plan.

UPMC Health Plan updates its website with timely, trustworthy information on COVID-19, including useful resources and articles from UPMC doctors and links to other trusted sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More information about the services UPMC Health Plan provides is available at www.upmchealthplan.com and additional information on COVID-19 can be found at www.upmc.com/coronavirus.

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About UPMC Health Plan

Serving 4 million members, UPMC Insurance Services is owned and operated by UPMC, a world-renowned health care provider and insurer based in Pittsburgh, Pa. UPMC Insurance Services includes commercial products from UPMC Health Plan for groups as well as individuals. Commercial products also include workers' compensation and employee assistance from nationally known Workpartners.® Government products include Medicare Advantage (UPMC for Life); special needs plans for those eligible for Medicare and Medical Assistance (UPMC for Life Complete Care and UPMC Community HealthChoices); Medical Assistance (UPMC for You); and Children's Health Insurance Program (UPMC for Kids). Community Care Behavioral Health, one of the nation's largest nonprofit managed care behavioral health organizations, offers a full range of services to Commercial and Medical Assistance members. For more information, visit upmchealthplan.com.