The Michigan Medicaid program will waive copays and cost-sharing for coronavirus testing and treatment, according to an announcement from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Friday.
“We must take steps to ensure every Michigander has access to the care they need to combat the spread of this disease,” Whitmer said in a statement. “That’s why the State of Michigan is stepping up by waiving fees for testing and treatment associated with coronavirus.”
Whitmer also praised Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network of Michigan, Priority Health, CVS Health, McLaren, and Meridian, who also announced that they will fully cover the cost of testing for coronavirus for their members.
“I strongly encourage all health insurers in Michigan to follow suit to help protect public health and protect families’ pocketbooks,” Whitmer said.
Michigan currently has no known cases of the coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19.
The move comes shortly after Whitmer created four task forces to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, focused on easing the impacts of the coronavirus in state operations, health and human services, education, and the economy and workforce.
It also follows the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services receiving additional coronavirus testing kits from the Centers for Disease Control Prevention. The testing kits come with additional criteria, including any people who have had close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus within 14 days of symptom onset or have traveled to an affected area with 14 days of symptom onset.
“We want Michiganders to know that their state laboratory is ready and able to provide testing for COVID-19,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS, in a statement. “We are currently able to provide same day turnaround for test results.”
As of March 4, eight people have been tested for the coronavirus in Michigan. Five were tested by the CDC and three by MDHHS, according to the MDHHS. There are currently no known confirmed cases.
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with Battleground State News and The Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected].
