As the State of Iowa responds to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Iowa Insurance Division is closely monitoring the situation and actively communicating with insurance companies that operate in the State of Iowa. The Division provides answers to some commonly asked questions below and will update this page as necessary.
The Commissioner reminds Iowans that they can help prevent the spread of illness by following simple daily precautions including washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when ill. It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends getting the flu vaccine. Influenza activity is widespread in Iowa and as long as flu viruses are circulating, it's not too late to receive the vaccine.
Where can I find more information about COVID-19?
Information concerning COVID-19 is available at the Iowa Department of Public Health.
The IDPH has also issued frequently asked questions and helpful guidance on cleaning and disinfecting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published a brief guide for measures every American can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID-19 in Iowa provided by IDPH can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has created a Disaster Distress Helpline for resources related to mental health and coping. You may contact the hotline by dialing 1-800-985-5990 or texting TalkWithUs to 66746.
How do I find out if my insurance will cover testing and treatment related to COVID-19?
Four of the major health insurance carriers in Iowa have all committed to waive cost-sharing and copayments for testing of COVID-19. Self-funded plans may differ in coverage. More information is available in each insurer's press release.
Medica Press Release
Aetna Press Release
Wellmark Press Release
UnitedHealthcare Press Release
The Iowa Farm Bureau Health Plan has also agreed to waive cost sharing related to testing.
The Division encourages consumers to utilize telemedicine if offered by their health care provider and covered by their insurance company.
Will Medicare cover testing and treatment?
Medicare covers the lab tests for COVID-19 with no out-of-pocket costs when the test is ordered by your doctor or other health care provider. Medicare also covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine.
While there is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, if one becomes available, it will be covered by all Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D).
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you have access to these same benefits. Medicare allows these plans to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 lab tests. Many plans offer additional telehealth benefits beyond the ones described below. Check with your plan about your coverage and costs.
Medicare also covers "virtual check-ins" (also known as telemedicine), so you can connect with your doctor by phone or video or an online patient portal to see if you need to go in for a face-to-face visit. The Division encourages consumers to utilize telemedicine to seek treatment.
To stay informed about Medicare coverage and coronavirus, along with tips to keep yourself safe, visit medicare.gov.
Will my travel insurance cover trip cancellation costs?
Most travel policies will not cover cancellations due to coronavirus. If your policy does provide benefits, the benefits may be very limited. You should check your policy and call your insurer if you have questions regarding coverage.
Travel insurance policies vary depending on the insurance carrier and the optional endorsements added to the policy. We recommend reviewing any policy in detail prior to purchase to verify what benefits, if any, may be payable in the event of cancellation.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has provided some guidance regarding travel insurance.