Priority Health extends $0 cost sharing for COVID-19 treatment, commits to $0 cost sharing vaccine coverage for all members

(Grand Rapids, Mich. – December 1, 2020) Priority Health announced today that it will continue to waive all copays, deductibles and coinsurance for medically necessary treatment of COVID-19 through March 31, 2021. This means that all of the company’s nearly one million members across fully funded1 Commercial, Individual, Medicaid and Medicare plans can get the treatment they need for COVID-19 with no out-of-pocket health insurance costs. Covered treatment may be inpatient or outpatient from an in-network provider.

Priority Health also announced that it will offer $0 cost share coverage for the COVID-19 vaccine once it is made available to the public. Demonstrating their commitment to protecting the most vulnerable populations during the pandemic, Priority Health will also continue to waive all cost sharing for Medicare Advantage members for in-person and telehealth primary care visits through March 31, 2021.

“Throughout this pandemic our main focus has always been, and will continue to be, the health and safety of our members,” said Joan Budden, President and CEO of Priority Health. “We are not out of the woods yet with COVID-19, and that is why we will continue to make sure our members have access to the health care they need, when they need it, without having to worry about cost. We will get through this together.”

Patients must have a confirmed primary COVID-19 diagnosis and be receiving evidence-based care for treatment to be fully covered. Anyone experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider to determine eligibility for testing. Priority Health is encouraging members to use virtual care whenever possible, to prevent further spread of the virus and help avoid overwhelming health care providers and facilities.

To support members throughout the pandemic, Priority Health previously announced the following:

• Offering financial support to members and employers through premium credits
• Starting January 1, 2021, Priority Health is extending $0 virtual visits2 for primary care, specialists, and behavioral health, for all Priority Health Medicare Advantage members and nearly all fully funded employer-sponsored plans
• Providing free access for all members to COVID-19 content from myStrength, an online mental wellness tool
• Accelerating value-based payments and quality bonuses to offer physician and provider partners financial stability

Priority Health continues to follow the CDC’s activities and work with local health departments and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to share information with our members and employers. The insurer’s government relations team is also in constant contact with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s team in Lansing and legislators at the federal level to ensure alignment on action steps.

¹Priority Health will also work with self-insured groups who determine their own benefit coverage for their employees and dependents to explore coverage options.

²Excluding the Vital plan, which has 20% coinsurance for virtual visits.

About Priority Health:

With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.