Major SC insurers to cover virtual mental health visits during coronavirus concerns
As people across South Carolina are asked not to gather in groups and to practice social distancing, some insurers have expanded their coverage of telehealth services to include trips to therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists.
Insurers like Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield — who state employees can get insurance through — have vowed to cover mental health-related visits during the coronavirus concerns.
Earlier this week, S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster called on insurance companies to provide incentives for doctors to treat patients using telehealth. That way, it would open up spaces in doctor’s offices for patients who are gravely ill, McMaster added.
“If it can be done by telehealth or if it can be done without an in person visit do that,” McMaster said.
Medicare temporarily expanded its coverage of telehealth services to cover “common office visits,” mental health counseling and preventative screenings in response to COVID-19, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
State employees on South Carolina’s insurance primary plan have the option to use Blue CareOnDemand to get mental health treatment, S.C. Public Employee Benefit Authority spokeswoman Heather Young said.
Anthem is waiving any costs related to telehealth visits, including mental health-related visits, for anyone with one of their insurance plans.
UnitedHealthcare is providing a free emotional support line that is staffed by mental health experts at all hours.
But agencies’ rules about telehealth are changing as insurers are figuring out how to best respond to the coronavirus, S.C. Department of Insurance spokeswoman Katie Greer said.
“It is important to note that this is a rapidly changing situation, so members are urged to check back with their issuer often for new information,” Greer said.
The latest information about health insurance coverage can also be found at the Department of Insurance’s website: doi.sc.gov/coronavirus.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
How to get more information:
Department of Insurance: 803-737-6180
Blue Cross Blue Shield’s coronavirus information: bcbs.com/coronavirus-updates
Medicare’s coronavirus information: medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus
The official government coronavirus website: coronavirus.gov/
