CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Some of the biggest healthcare providers and insurance companies are waiving the cost of testing for the coronavirus.
Advocate Health, which operates a dozen hospitals in Illinois, is waiving the costs of coronavirus testing for the time being for those who meet federal guidelines.
The CDC suggests prioritizing testing for patients who show symptoms and are in the hospital, are over the age of 65, or have chronic medical conditions. The agency also suggests prioritizing testing for anyone who develops symptoms within 14 days of being in contact with a person with a suspected or confirmed case of the illness or within 14 days of traveling from an affected area.
"As we accelerate our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we are committed to ensuring residents of Illinois and Wisconsin seek medically necessary testing and care," Advocate said in a statement. "Therefore, at this time, we are refraining from sending patient bills related to coronavirus as we continue to work with regulatory and industry officials to navigate this developing situation."
Insurance companies will still be billed.
Illinois' largest companies, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Cigna and Humana, have announced they are waiving the cost of testing, for patients who meet federal guidelines, which at this point requires doctors consulting with public health agencies before a test is done.
