Some Insurers to No Longer Waive Co-Payments, Deductibles For Telehealth Appointments

The New York Times (10/3, Abelson) reported, “Some people will have to start paying more out of their own pockets for telemedicine appointments, if their virtual visits with doctors are unrelated to [COVID-19] and are needed to monitor conditions like diabetes or to check out sudden knee pain.” Both Anthem and UnitedHealthcare “are no longer waiving co-payments and deductibles for some customers beginning on Oct. 1.” Patients “who have been relying on telehealth to steer clear of the emergency room or a doctor’s office during the coronavirus pandemic will need to check with their insurers to see how much they will now owe for a virtual visit.”