Changes in insurance with the COVID vaccine are expected

WICHITA, Canada (KWCH): The cost of COVID-19 treatment can reach tens of thousands of dollars if you are a patient in the hospital. Most insurance companies have waived cost-sharing expenses, such as copayments and deductibles, but could that change?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas said they are waiving deductibles and copayments for now, but by the end of the year they will return to normal coverage for their plans.

Kansas hospitals continue to fill with COVID patients, most of whom are not vaccinated. With COVID-19 vaccines widely available, some insurance companies will stop paying deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

“Right now, by the end of the year, we’ll be back to our coverage with our members’ cost share, ”said Katrina McGovern, corporate communications manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.

Eyewitness News came to the Kansas Department of Insurance to see what it could tell Kansans to look forward to next year, especially after Delta Airlines added an additional $ 200 monthly insurance expense for its unvaccinated employees.

The insurance department said it is a gray area and expect more guidance from the federal government.

So what if you are a member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield without being vaccinated? Will this play a role in 2022?

“Members of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas do not have to worry if they go to the hospital or seek treatment at their doctor’s office if their vaccination status will be checked or not. We will pay for these claims regardless. McGovern said.

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