topic Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free in Community Chat

Is Covid-19 Testing Free

Jordan2 — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 21:12:35 GMT

So I live in NYC and I was under the impression testing statewide was free to anyone. I needed to get a Covid-19 nasal swab test so I could have cataract surgery. I have insurance and went to an urgent care facility in my network. I was told by my insurance company there was no charge to me for the test and the urgent care facility said there would be no charge to me. So today I get an EOB (explanation of benefits) saying I owe $70. I called my insurance company and was told I owe a copay. Now I was assured there was no charge to me, if I had gone to a statewide site I wouldn't have paid anything. I tell the CS rep that's a sneaky way to try to get payment from me (again I was told it wouldn't cost me anything by the insurance company). She knew I was angry, she put in some kind of claim for it to be looked at again, but let's face it I will not win and have to pay the $70. I have had problems with this insurance company, I'm done with them (I buy from the marketplace).

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

freakygirl — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 21:15:05 GMT

where i live, it runs up to $250 when you go to those 24 hour ER clinics. there's a long line too.

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

Kachina624 — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 21:17:40 GMT

I think they're free here at the state-sponsored test sites. Of course you have to sit in your car in 100° heat and wait forever.

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

sunshine45 — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 21:24:28 GMT

it is free at some of the maryland state run sites.

no appointments at some locations, no doctors script necessary.

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

Mz iMac — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 21:24:29 GMT

In NJ it's free.

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

ECBG — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 21:28:52 GMT

I wouldn't expect any private medical location to offer free testing unless it is advertised.

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

AuntG — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 21:29:18 GMT

A co-pay is a little different from the cost of the test. I wouldn't dispute their explanation. $70 is the cost of a top or pair of shoes on QVC. Not a huge amount by any means.

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

Jordan2 — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 21:37:06 GMT

@AuntG wrote:
A co-pay is a little different from the cost of the test. I wouldn't dispute their explanation. $70 is the cost of a top or pair of shoes on QVC. Not a huge amount by any means.

It isn't the amount, it's that I was told over the phone by a customer rep of the insurance company there would be no charge to me, and the urgent care facility told me that too. I know I will end up paying the $70, little people like me never fare well going up against any company.

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

Yahooey — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 21:50:29 GMT

@Jordan2

I'm also in NYC - went to a state hosptial since it was close to me to get tested

it is supposed to be free but then I didn't receive the bill yet - they took my insurance info

My brother went to CityMD for a tetanus shot and they offered to give him the test and told him it was free

both happened last week

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

Linmo — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 22:03:31 GMT

@Jordan2 I know you wrote that the rep resubmitted the claim after you challenged them. On the EOB, there should be information about how to submit a written dispute. You might want to consider doing that.

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

AuntG — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 22:26:06 GMT

My insurance company records all calls so it's possible there is a way for them to review the conversation. However, if someone says "Covid testing in free", that does give them some wiggle room. Ideally, they should have added "any co-pay is not waived".

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

happycat — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 22:28:23 GMT

I weny a few weeks ago, I wasn't charged, but I won't be surprised if I get a bill.

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

Iwantcoffee — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 22:30:51 GMT

A copay for going to the clinic and cost of test are two different things. You are not being billed for the test but visit to the clinic.

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

QueenDanceALot — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 22:54:30 GMT

I've had 2 tests so far, both free. They are paid for by the CARES money. No one I know here has been charged for a test.

I also make an appointment online. I go early in the morning (7:30), the earliest spot I can get and I've been in and out in less than 30 minutes from check in to test (all done from my car).

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

Deree — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 23:07:43 GMT

Sorry you were misled. I'd still fight it and maybe you could use the following literature to argue that's exactly what you did. That you checked with the testing site and insurer. By referring to this article it shows that you did in fact research in advance. Worth a try IMO.

https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-testing

"If you go to a test site run by New York State, there is never any charge for your test. If you go to a test site operated by local governments, private companies including pharmacies and medical practices or not-for-profit organizations, you are advised to check with the testing site and your insurer in advance of being tested to confirm you will not be responsible for any fees associated with your test."

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

software — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 13:39:25 GMT

I'm in a Medicare HMO, I received a notice there is no charge to me for testing or hospitalization.

Re: Is Covid-19 Testing Free

Lipstickdiva — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 14:54:56 GMT

I agree with others that being charged for the test itself is different than an Urgent Care co-pay. However, I also think the rep should have been more clear.

For instance, with some insurances, there is no charge at all for a yearly wellness exam. That also means all co-pays are waived.