COVID-19 Initiative Dates

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

Chest CT Scan without Prior Authorization

March 2, 2020

Dec. 31, 2020

COVID-19 Testing Cost-Share Waiver

March 7, 2020

End of Health and Human Services (HHS) public health emergency

COVID-19 Testing-Related Visits Cost-Share Waiver

March 18, 2020

End of HHS public health emergency

COVID-19 Treatment Cost -Share Waiver

April 1, 2020

Dec. 31, 2020*

Credentialing Simplified

April 3, 2020

End of HHS public health emergency

Interfacility Transfer without Prior Authorization

Reinstated Aug. 23, 2021

Sept. 30, 2021

Prior Authorization Extension

Services scheduled between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2020

Expired Dec. 31, 2020

Telemedicine/Telehealth Expansion, Cost-Share Waiver

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