UnitedHealth Downplays Cost of Omicron, At-Home Tests
For health insurers, the new year has ushered in a mandate to cover at-home COVID-19 tests and a highly transmissible coronavirus variant that is making it clear the pandemic is far from over. During its recent conference call to discuss fourth-quarter 2021 financial results, UnitedHealth Group explained how its massive, integrated health care enterprise is responding to both challenges.
The Biden administration on Jan. 10 unveiled new guidance specifying that all group and individual health plans must reimburse members for eight free over-the-counter COVID tests per month without cost sharing. The administration also said it would allow insurers to cap test costs at $12 each if insurers set up in-network agreements with pharmacies/retail stores that allow members to access free tests directly, without filing for reimbursement.
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