LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan Medicaid Program is waiving copays and cost-sharing for testing and health treatment related to the coronavirus disease.
That announcement came from Governor Gretchen Whitmer on Friday.
Along with Medicaid, other insurers are getting on board with this initiative. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network of Michigan, Priority Health, CVS Health, McLaren, and Meridian also announced they will fully cover the cost of medically-necessary COVID-19 tests for members.
Governor Whitmer announced earlier this week the creation of four task forces to combat the spread of coronavirus and assess the impact it may have on Michiganders’ day-to-day lives. These include task forces focused on state operations; health and human services; education; and the economy and workforce.
Michigan currently has no known cases of the disease.
Patients with confirmed infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Health officials stress the best prevention for viruses, such as influenza, the common cold or COVID-19 is to:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
