Vermont's Department of Financial Regulation issued an emergency rule Dec. 8 that requires payers to fully cover over-the-counter COVID-19 antigen tests without cost-sharing, according to The Center Square.
While following a federal plan outlined by President Joe Biden Dec. 2, the move makes Vermont the first state to enact such a rule, according to The Center Square.
The emergency rule covers approximately 140,000 Vermonters who purchase commercial insurance in Vermont’s individual, small and large group markets as well as the Vermont Education Health Initiative.
The rule has an eight-test monthly limit and is retroactively effective through Dec. 1, according to a news release. Tests are covered by a pharmacy benefit upfront, and the pharmacy seeks reimbursement. Those buying the tests outside of a pharmacy must submit a claim to their insurer.
"Vermont has led the nation in testing, but we must continue to adapt and improve our strategies as we move forward," said Vermont Gov. Phil Scott. "At home tests will increasingly be an effective and widely used tool for managing the virus, and expanding access is a priority for my team."