GeoBlue believes individuals must be assured access to testing for COVID-19, when the medical need arises, and that access should not be dependent on one’s ability to pay. In support of this goal, GeoBlue committed to cover testing related to diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 at zero cost-sharing for our members through December 31, 2020.
However, people who have no signs or symptoms of the coronavirus may be tested for their exposure to the virus as part of a broader public health effort, including identifying others who may have been exposed and could therefore transmit COVID-19. Broad application of such tests is being considered to assess people’s ability to return to work, school or even gain entrance to entertainment venues. This is very different from testing to diagnose and treat people with symptoms of COVID-19 or who have had a significant exposure risk, which is done under a healthcare provider’s order (i.e. a healthcare provider licensed under state law) and appropriately covered by health insurance. While anti-body testing has potentially beneficial uses, it has limited usefulness as a stand-alone test in the diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19. In conjunction with other testing when those tests are negative but COVID-19 is still suspected, anti-body testing may be used for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. As a stand-alone test, its greatest use thus far seems to be for population health/epidemiological reasons, rather than for diagnosis and treatment.
These broader testing scenarios – population health and epidemiological – are a public health responsibility that should be done in coordination with local governmental and/or national Departments or Ministries of Health as well as the entities involved (businesses, schools, public venues).
Based on this, GeoBlue’s position remains consistent in covering testing when medically necessary and as part of diagnosis and treatment. Specifically, GeoBlue will cover, at no cost sharing, COVID-19 anti-body testing when ordered by a doctor for diagnostic and treatment purposes, when used to diagnose a suspected case for which PCR (polymerise chain reaction) testing is negative or unavailable. Anti-body testing should not be ordered as a stand-alone test for diagnosis and treatment.
GeoBlue will not cover any COVID-19 testing (including anti-body testing) requested by non-medical personnel (members, employers, school programs, governmental agencies) for non-diagnostic treatment purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, testing for personal information or for return to work/school requirements.
As of January 1, 2021, existing plan rules apply, which may include cost sharing. Please consult your Certificate of Coverage for more information on co-pays, deductibles, coverage and benefits.