In coordination with the Nevada Department of Business and Industry’s Division of Insurance (DOI), Governor Steve Sisolak on Thursday announced the adoption of an emergency regulation to ensure that Nevadans covered by health insurance policies regulated by the DOI are able to obtain medical services and prescriptions related to COVID-19 at their normal costs, despite disruptions caused by the spread of the virus.
“This pre-emptive emergency regulation should give Nevadans confidence to continue taking preventative measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 as well as seeking necessary medical services and prescriptions without fear of higher than normal costs,” said Governor Sisolak. “Protecting Nevadans is my top priority, and adopting this emergency regulation is a critical piece of our broader plan to anticipate and prepare for the potential impacts of COVID-19.”
Specifically, the emergency regulation prohibits a health insurer from imposing an out-of-pocket cost for a provider office, urgent care center, or emergency room visit when the purpose of the visit is testing for COVID-19. Additionally, the regulation prohibits insurers from charging Nevadans for the COVID-19 test itself or an immunization as one becomes available and further requires coverage for off-formulary prescription drugs if a formulary drug is not available for treatment. Lastly, the regulation requires health insurers to provide information on available benefits, options for medical advice and treatment through telehealth, and preventative measures related to COVID-19.
The Governor's office says it continues to explore regulatory and other options to ensure that medical costs associated with COVID-19 are not a barrier to receive health care services for any Nevadans.
For more information on COVID-19: http://dpbh.nv.gov/coronavirus/
