June 25, 2021

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler extended his emergency order directing all state-regulated health insurers to make additional coverage changes to aid consumers during the coronavirus pandemic. His order is in effect until July 25 and requires health insurers to:

• Continue coverage for providing telehealth via methods including telephone and video chat tools such as Facetime, Facebook Messenger video chat, Google Hangout video, Skype and Go-to-Meeting. 
• Treat drive-up testing sites for COVID-19 as provider visits with no copay, coinsurance or deductible.

All medically necessary diagnostic testing for flu and certain other viral respiratory illnesses billed during a provider visit for COVID-19 are subject to coinsurance and deductibles as of May 2. 

To help free up hospital beds, Kreidler is directing health insurers to waive or expedite prior authorization requirements for home health care or long-term care facility services to speed up discharging patients who are ready to leave. 

“This continues to be a critical time. We need to provide safe and flexible access to care,” Kreidler said. “During this unprecedented time, people should not have to worry about their insurance coverage. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated.”