COVID-19 Resources in Austin, Texas
by Laurie Howell, SPHR, SHRM-SCP
March 23, 2020
We are finding we are getting a number of questions on how best to approach testing with and without insurance and where to go. We asked the Chief of Staff of Austin Emergency Center to help shed some light on this for us since they have been handling a large portion of testing across the Austin metroplex. At the end of our Q&A, we’re providing a few reference links on this topic to provide further information.
Q&A with Austin Emergency Center’s Chief of Staff
Questions related to testing if someone has major insurance coverage:
- If I go to a doctor’s office to get tested for COVID-19 (because I have symptoms), and I have insurance, do I pay either my usual co-pay or negotiated doctor rate if in an HMO for an office visit?
- Is the COVID-19 test free or do I pay at time of service or by getting a separate bill?
- If I go to a walk-in lab, does my insurance pay for the COVID-19 test or is it free?
Answer: If you go to an emergency center, keep in mind that patients with more severe illness are always prioritized when at the ER. Regarding pricing, this will vary, depending on which emergency center you visit. Generally, the major carriers have agreed to cover COVID-related ER visits, and the cost of COVID-19 testing for patients, without assigning a “patient responsibility”. So, it should be fully paid for, if you have a major insurance carrier. However, starting with the end of July, some of the insurance carriers will be changing their policies with regard to testing.
Question:
- Are urgent care or emergency room visits cheaper than a doctor visit?
Answer: Urgent care and emergency room visits can be slightly more expensive than a doctor visit.
Question:
- If I go to an emergency care center, what can I expect to pay if I don’t have insurance?
Answer: All emergency centers are required to provide medical screening exams, and to stabilize emergent patients, without regard to their ability to pay. If you do not have an emergency condition, your ability to get a COVID-19 test will be dependent upon the policy of the emergency center that you visit.
At Austin Emergency Center, we have a policy to test all non-critical, uninsured patients at our Cost-Only pricing (using prompt pay discount off the cash price).
Question:
- What if I don’t have symptoms, but I just want to make sure I’m okay.
Answer: If you don’t have symptoms, but are concerned for your health and desire COVID-19 testing, you should inquire with your primary physician’s office (or with Austin Public Health for those without a primary care physician), for information about their protocols. Pricing and protocols can vary among testing facilities around Austin and it’s important to know what options you have. As shared previously, at Austin Emergency Center, we have a policy to test all non-critical, uninsured patients at our Cost-Only pricing (using prompt pay discount off the cash price).
Below, AustinPeopleWorks is providing a few helpful informative links related to Insurance coverage for COVID-19 Testing:
- https://www.ahip.org/health-insurance-providers-respond-to-coronavirus-covid-19/
- https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/06/19/880543755/insurers-may-only-pay-for-coronavirus-tests-when-theyre-medically-necessary
- https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa-testing-focus/u-s-health-insurers-may-balk-at-paying-for-coronavirus-antibody-testing-idUSKBN23N1PD
- https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/five-things-to-know-about-the-cost-of-covid-19-testing-and-treatment/
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