Healthcare
The Washington State Department of Health and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) are making sure residents don’t face financial barriers to COVID-19 testing when they need it. Insurance Commissioner Kreidler issued an emergency order to state-regulated health plans on March 5 to:
- Cover testing (including any lab fees) and the related visit for COVID-19 without copays or deductibles.
- Suspend any prior authorization requirement for treatment or testing of COVID-19.
- Allow enrollees to be treated by another provider within a reasonable distance at no additional cost if there are not enough in-network providers.
The copay and deductible waiver also applies to all high-deductible health plans with qualifying health savings accounts (HSAs), according to guidance from the Internal Revenue Service.
This emergency order is in effect from March 5 through May 4, 2020.
Washington residents may still be charged for tests or services for other conditions that may occur during the visit. For example, if a resident is tested for other respiratory illnesses as well as COVID-19, they may pay a fee for the other tests. Going to the emergency room for COVID-19 testing may also result in a fee for the visit.
State-regulated health plans are overseen by the OIC and include individual health plans, small employer health plans, and some large employer plans.
If you get a bill from your insurer for COVID-19 testing or the office visit, file a complaint with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
On March 13, USCIS announced that COVID-19 testing, prevention, or treatment would NOT be used against immigrants in a public charge test. This means that immigrant families should seek the care they need during this difficult time.
El 13 de marzo, el USCIS anunció que las pruebas, la prevención o el tratamiento de COVID-19 NO se usarían contra inmigrantes en una prueba de carga pública. Esto significa que las familias inmigrantes deben buscar la atención que necesitan durante este momento difícil.
Local Resources
Launch of Insurance Site and Resource Guide for Undocumented Residents: The Access and Outreach Program in the Community Health Services (CHS) Division has launched a new insurance page for undocumented residents. The site will help King County residents understand what resources they are eligible for and how to apply, regardless of their immigration status. A 36-page resource guide will be available in both English and Spanish and details important and necessary resources for undocumented and Non-U.S. Citizen residents living in King County, including health insurance options, prescription programs, Public Health and Community Health Centers, dental and vision care, food resources, and other helpful resources.
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Visit this site to find information about Coronavisrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) including public health recommendations. Public health Recommendations available in 16 languages; scroll down page. Links are on the right.
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Centros de Salud Pública en español Los servicios de Salud Pública se proporcionan en los Centros de Salud Pública ubicados en Seattle y el Condado de King. Comuníquese con el Centro más cercano para obtener más información sobre los servicios o llame al 206-296-4600 (voz) o TTY (servicio de relevo telefónico de texto): 711. No todos los servicios están disponibles en cada Centro de Salud Pública.
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Salud Pública invita a los clientes que son immigrantes a que inmingrantes a que accedan a los servicios sin miedo. Salud Pública - Seattle 7 el condado de King desea que todas las personas se sientan seguras al recibir atención médica. Hemos tomado medidas para fortalecer la protección para todos los clientes de nuestras clínicas de salud.
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Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Washington Health Plan Finder is opening enrollment to qualified individuals until April 8, 2020. Find out if you can get free or reduced-cost insurance – both are available from Washington Healthplanfinder. Information is available for adults 19-64, pregnant women and children 18 & under. (Apple Health enrollment is year-round.)
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COVID-19 Emergency Rule Change to Expand Coverage: Alien Emergency Medical (AEM) clients can access care within the provider’s* office setting (outside of the emergency department, inpatient and other outpatient settings) to diagnose and treat COVID-19. *Includes MD/DO, ARNP, NP providers
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The Alien Emergency Medical (AEM) Program is coverage for individuals who do not meet citizenship or immigration status requirements, or for qualified individuals who have not met the 5-year immigration bar, and have a qualifying medical condition.
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Health care centers are funded by the federal government. This means even if you have no insurance you can be covered. The center is also income based for those making an income. The center provide a comprehensive scope of health services to individuals at all stages of life. Call your nearest health center to discover availability for COVID-19 screening and testing. There are multiple locations throughout East King County including Bellevue: 206-296-4920, Kirkland: 206-263-2850 and Redmond: 425-882-1697.
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Health care centers are funded by the federal government. This means even if you have no insurance you can be covered. The center is also income based for those making an income. The center provide a comprehensive scope of health services to individuals at all stages of life. Call your nearest health center to discover availability for COVID-19 screening and testing. There are multiple locations throughout East King County including Bellevue: 206-296-4920, Kirkland: 206-263-2850 and Redmond: 425-882-1697. To find additional locations, click on 'View More.'
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If you have symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing or a fever, or if you think you were exposed to the COVID-19 virus, do not visit an ICHS clinic. Call (206) 788-3700. ICHS nurses will talk through your symptoms and direct you to the proper care and treatment.
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CHI Franciscan is offering FREE Virtual Urgent Care Visits for Mild COVID-19 Symptoms. To be assessed from the comfort of your home by one of CHI Franciscans providers for mild Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms such as cough, low grade fever or mild respriratory problems. Visit fransiscanvirtualcare.org and enter the discount code COVID-19 to waive the typical $35 fee.
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Sea Mar Community Health Centers is a community-based organization committed to providing quality, comprehensive health, human, housing, educational and cultural services to diverse communities, specializing in service to Latinos. Sea Mar remains open to provide services. If you have COVID-19 symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, cough) or believe you have been exposed, please call the clinic before visiting. Bellevue Clinic: 425-460-7140
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If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 or if you’re a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact the novel coronavirus call center: 206-477-3977. The call center will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT.
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If you have questions about what is happening in Washington state, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, please call the Washington State Department of Health: (800) 525-0127 and press #. This helpline is open from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. every day.
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CHAP can connect you to medical providers, health insurance options and many essential services from food to energy assistance, to breast cancer and dental care. CHAP can help you find a dentist, doctor or nurse & quality health care you can afford. The service is free. Interpreters are available. Contact information is provided for representatives who speak Amharic, English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
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