Sanford Health Plan to cover full treatment cost for COVID-19

The Sanford Health Plan announced today it is waiving all out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 treatment through May 31, 2020.

This means the health plan will cover all costs for testing and treatment for its members, including outpatient care and inpatient hospital stays. This includes all fully insured group and individual plans across the plan’s footprint in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota.

Out-of-pocket costs include medical co-pays, deductibles and co-insurance charges related to treatment for COVID-19.

“This is about providing peace of mind to our members,” said John Snyder, president of the Sanford Health Plan. “This is an uncertain time for many families and we’re doing our part to stand with them as we all navigate this pandemic.”

Sanford Health Plan has already implemented the following steps to meet the crucial needs of its members:  

• Waiving prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and related covered services that are medically necessary and consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for members if diagnosed with COVID-19.
• Covering, with no cost to members, the appropriate medically necessary diagnostic tests for COVID-19, where it is not covered as a part of the Public Health Services response, and covering any subsequently needed care once COVID-19 diagnosis occurs, consistent with the standard provisions of the member’s health benefits.
• Increasing access to prescription medications by removing early medication refill limits on prescription maintenance medications (consistent with members’ benefit plans); and
• Expanding access to telehealth services and covering at no-cost to the member.