Washington State Health Insurers are required to waive copays and deductibles for any consumer requiring testing for coronavirus (COVID-19). Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order protecting consumers from receiving surprise bills for lab fees related to medically-necessary diagnostic testing for COVID-19 until November 24. His order applies to both in-state and out-of-state laboratories, when a provider orders diagnostic testing for COVID-19.

Insurers also must:

• Allow a one-time early refill for prescription drugs.
• Suspend any prior authorization requirement for treatment or testing of COVID-19.
• Continue coverage for providing telehealth via methods including telephone and video chat tools such as Facetime, Facebook Messenger video chat, Google Hangout video, Skype and Go-to-Meeting.

In addition, if an insurer does not have enough medical providers in its network to provide testing or treatment for COVID-19, it must allow enrollees to be treated by another provider within a reasonable distance at no additional cost.

The order applies to all state-regulated health insurance plans and short-term limited duration medical plans until November 24.