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$0 Cost-Share for Monkeypox Diagnosis, Testing and Vaccine Administration

Date:
September 08, 2022

To: All Providers

Contracts Affected: Commercial

Following a recent New York State (NYS) Executive Order, we’re waiving copays, coinsurances and deductibles for the diagnosis and testing of Monkeypox1 as well as vaccine administration for your Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York (Highmark BSNENY) fully-insured Commercial patients.

Beginning August 28, 2022 through September 27 (or the end of the NYS Public Health Emergency) your Highmark BSNENY fully-insured Commercial patients will not have to pay a cost-share for:

  • Monkeypox vaccine administration from in- and out-of-network providers
  • Diagnostic testing from an in-network provider or laboratory (HSA-qualified plans excluded)
  • Office, urgent care, emergency department, outpatient OR telehealth visits with an in-network provider to diagnose Monkeypox2 (HSA-qualified plans excluded)

Your office should not collect a cost-share for these patients.

For additional information on Monkeypox, please visit the NYS Department of Health and CDC websites below.

NYS Department of Health
CDC Monkeypox Information

1HSA-qualified plans excluded from $0 diagnosis and testing ONLY; cost-shares may be applied according to IRS regulations

2Cost-share may be imposed for any follow-up care or treatment for Monkeypox, including an inpatient hospital admission, in accordance with the patient’s policy or contract

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