May 18, 2020
Updated Sept. 21, 2020
Updated Sept. 29, 2020
Updated Oct. 6, 2020
Updated Oct. 26, 2020
Updated Nov. 23, 2020
Updated Dec. 30, 2020
Updated March 5, 2021
Updated Aug. 25, 2021
NOTE: Refer to COVID-19 Initiatives page for the most current information. This article will no longer be updated.
We updated this notice to reflect that the Interfacility Transfer without Prior Authorization accommodation was reinstated on Aug. 23, 2021 and will expire on Sept. 30, 2021.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) has taken steps to make access to the testing and treatment for our members easier and less expensive during this national health emergency. We have extended the duration of these measures to continue serving our members.
The chart below details those dates. We will continue to monitor the situation and update as needed. Check our provider site and our COVID-19 Related News for the latest information on each initiative.
Initiative |
Start Date |
End Date |
March 2, 2020 |
Dec. 31, 2020 |
|
March 7, 2020 |
End of Health and Human Services (HHS) public health emergency |
|
March 18, 2020 |
End of HHS public health emergency |
|
April 1, 2020 |
Dec. 31, 2020* |
|
April 3, 2020 |
End of HHS public health emergency |
|
Reinstated Aug. 23, 2021 |
Sept. 30, 2021 |
|
Services scheduled between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2020 |
Expired Dec. 31, 2020 |
|
March 10, 2020 |
Members will have access to the expanded telemedicine services through Dec. 31, 2020. The cost-share waiver will end on Dec. 31, 2020* for commercial and retail members. Copays, deductibles and coinsurance will apply after Dec. 31, 2020. The cost-share waiver will expire at the end of the HHS public health emergency for Medicare members. |
*Services that were originally scheduled to end May 31, 2020
** Service originally scheduled to end May 15, 2020