Since a year ago in March, when the pandemic changed our world, health insurance carriers immediately started waiving insured members out-of-pocket expenses for telemedicine, testing for COVID-19, and, more recently, vaccination for COVID-19. Carriers also waived active at work and waiting periods for new hires for employers.
Now a turning point has begun. CDC is easing social distancing and mask guidelines which many states are following and supporting. As vaccinations are becoming more readily available and the number of vaccinated individuals grows, we are beginning some form of normalization and a return to business as usual.
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shields of New Jersey has recently announced that as of June 30, 2021, it is no longer waiving insured cost-sharing and expects insureds to meet their copay, deductible, and coinsurance obligations. We expect a domino effect take its course. All health insurance carriers will return to standard contractual agreements following Horizon.
While expensive, our healthcare system continued to work during the pandemic. We all received the necessary care. Our pharmaceutical industry quickly developed treatments for us all to return to some form of normalcy.
As always, Diversified Brokerage is here to help and service your needs and the needs of your employees.
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