Buffalo, NY (WBEN) Starting next Tuesday, insurance companies will not be required to cover COVID19 testing that's not ordered by a doctor. For some industries, this could mean trouble.
"It is pretty cumbersome for those working on the front lines being tested day by day in a continued fashion," says Anthony Baynes of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce. Among those required to be tested often are hairdressers. Baynes says all businesses undergoing this are baffled by the changing regulations. "I probably had four to five inquiries asking for clarificiation and that's where we use our team of experts to try and provide as much information as humanly possible for these businesses and it's a tough time right now. Keeping everyone up to speed is critical," notes Baynes.
Baynes adds there are some locations where testing will be done for free. "New York is offering free testing near (KeyBank Center) downtown and one in Niagara County. You just go online and register, and in 24 hours you'll be contacted for a drive thru and relatively painless process," explains Baynes.
Dr. Nancy Neilsen of UB says she's not surprised insurance companies won't cover for COVID19 tests not required by doctors. "If a college or an employer requires screening from an individual before they show up, that is not part of health care, that is the fiscal responsibility of these colleges and universities or employer. So, things done for surveillance are not part of what health insurance has to cover," explains Neilsen. She notes UB is not requiring or conducting surveiliance testing.