Oregon insurers waive copays, deductibles for COVD-19 tests

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon has reached an agreement with private health insurance companies to waive co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles for Oregonians who undergo testing for COVID-19 at a facility that's within their insurance network, Gov. Kate Brown announced.

The agreement also will apply to a vaccine for the virus if one becomes available, she said in a statement Thursday. The state is pursuing the same agreement with self-insured health plans and also seeking clarification from the federal government about exceptions to cost-sharing for Medicare Advantage plans, and health savings account-eligible high-deductible health plans, she said.

“No one should have to ask if getting a COVID-19 test is something they can afford. I hope this agreement sets a framework that other states can follow nationwide," Brown said in the statement.

Three people in Oregon have tested positive for the virus. Test results are pending on 28 more individuals and 190 people are under monitoring for any signs of the illness, according to the latest update Friday from the Oregon Health Authority.