Payers Pulling Back COVID-19 Coverages

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

Payers Pulling Back COVID-19 Coverages

Jun 10, 2020, 13:51 PM by MSDC Staff

Insurance companies are beginning to withdraw COVID-19 benefits despite the need to monitor the population.

As states enter various phases of reopening, insurance companies are starting to pull back COVID-19 benefits that could endanger the public health response.

Axios reported this morning that a number of payers have begun walking back universal coverage of coronavirus testing. For example, UnitedHealthcare has begun covering only "medically necessary" tests that have been order by a physician or healthcare provider. UnitedHealthcare has also reintroduced prior authorization requirements in place prior to COVID-19. United is not alone is paring back benefits.

The problem with this reduction in allowances is many places are still under a public health emergency. The District, for example, is under a public health emergency through mid-July. Physicians and public health officials are continually cautioning that a decrease in infection rates may not be permanent, and only aggressive testing and contact tracing can help identify when infections may flair up.

MSDC will continue to advocate for smart health policies that do not burden patients with bills for public health monitoring activities.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.