Dr. Sotunde predicts the health insurer will shoulder “north of $600 million” in COVID-19-related costs, based on modeling that accounts for a resurgence in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
More than half of the costs are related to steps BCBS of North Carolina took to eliminate member cost-sharing for COVID-19 screening, testing and treatment. Other costs included expanded telehealth services, grace periods for premium payments and accelerated claim payments.
Dr. Sotunde said BCBS of North Carolina is in a position to weather the costs, but it’s unclear if they will lead to premium increases next year.
Read more here.
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