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The economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has placed families in financial hardship. Out of pocket costs should not be a barrier to seeking treatment during these uncertain times. The nation’s insurance capital is seeing another demonstration of how insurers can work together to help their policyholders.

All fully-insured plan health plan members, including those with high-deductible health plans, are now receiving testing and treatment for COVID-19 with no out of pocket costs.

Connecticut Insurance Department Commissioner Andrew N. Mais commended the state’s insurance carriers that offer fully-insured health plans for waiving COVID-19 all pandemic related out of pocket costs for testing and treatment. The Commissioner also urges all employers who offer workers a self-funded plan under ERISA to waive testing and treatment costs as well.

“Our insurance industry here in Connecticut has answered the call and responded to help protect those most affected by our current crisis,” said Commissioner Mais. “I urge all self-funded, employer-based plan sponsors to follow suit and remove financial barriers to testing and treatment for their workers and their families.”

Department of Social Services Commissioner Deirdre S. Gifford also praised the state’s insurance carriers and noted that public health coverage is also available to Connecticut residents who qualify.

“In Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, together known as HUSKY Health in Connecticut, we are fully covering COVID-19 testing and treatment without any cost-sharing,” said Commissioner Gifford. “I join Commissioner Mais and our legislative partners in encouraging all employer plan sponsors to make any changes that may be necessary to cover this critical area for employees and their dependents.”

“No one should ever put off treatment for any illness let alone COVID-19 because of cost and I’m grateful to the insurers for recognizing we are all in this together and stepping up to waive cost sharing for those fighting coronavirus,” said State Representative Sean Scanlon, House Co-chair of the legislature’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee.

“Connecticut residents should know that in most cases they can access coronavirus testing and - importantly - treatment without worrying about copays, deductibles or cost-sharing. This is absolutely critical to controlling the virus in Connecticut,” said State Senator Matt Lesser, Co-chair of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee. “Absolutely nobody should go without testing or treatment because they can’t afford it. All fully insured plans in Connecticut have now waived deductibles and cost-sharing and self-insured plans are moving in that direction. If you are covered by a self-insured plan, please check with your employer or ASO."

Consumers should take note that there are some differences among plans and policyholders should contact their insurer or employer to provide additional information on important details.

The Connecticut Insurance Department regulates fully-insured health insurance plans issued in the State of Connecticut only. Some employers, especially large ones, sponsor self-funded health plans that are regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor under ERISA.

Consumers, insurers and brokers with questions can contact the department directly by email at insurance@ct.gov, online, or by calling the Department at 800-203-3447 or 860-297-3900.

For the most up-to-date information from the State of Connecticut on COVID-19, including guidance and other resources, visit ct.gov/coronavirus. Regular email news updates are available from the Governor’s Office by subscribing online here.