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California

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 25, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in California, we recommend that you visit the Secretary of State's website or the California COVID-19 portal.

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Description of Program and Relief

Testing

All insurers providing commercial health insurance coverage must immediately reduce cost-sharing (including, but not limited to, co-pays, deductibles and coinsurance) to zero for all medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19 and associated hospital, emergency department, urgent care and provider office visits where the purpose of the visit is to be screened and/or tested for COVID-19. Insurers are required to maintain associated support/administration services, and are encouraged to waive prior authorization and/or step therapy requirements in the event of a shortage of prescription drugs.

Government or Lead Agency

State of California, Department of Insurance, Department of Managed Care

Dates Available

Effective immediately

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Applicable to medically necessary screening and testing for COVID-19 and associated hospital, emergency department, urgent care, and provider office visits where the purpose of the visit is to be screened and/or tested for COVID-19.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

Department of Insurance Consumer Hotline: (800) 927-4357

List of Additional Information

http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0100-press-releases/2020/release025-2020-2.cfm" http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0100-press-releases/2020/release025-2020-2.cfm

http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0250-insurers/0300-insurers/0200-bulletins/bulletin-notices-commiss-opinion/upload/COVID-19-Screening-and-Testing.pdf


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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