Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 | 2 a.m.
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The ongoing pandemic has affected millions of people across the country, and Nevada has not been spared. The cost of the virus has burdened patients across the state with unrelenting medical bills — among them COVID-19 survivor Kenneth Fuchigami of Las Vegas, who received bills totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Even before the pandemic, research showed that more than half of Americans with employer-sponsored health insurance had delayed or postponed recommended treatment for themselves or a family member due to cost. Now, as insurers continue to make billions while rolling back services like COVID-19 coverage, it has never been more crucial for Nevadans to take the time and examine what different health plans do and do not cover. Health insurance practices are changing, and Nevadans need to be prepared.
With open enrollment having begun Nov. 1 for many Nevadans, it is vital that consumers be aware of the potential pitfalls that exist, including changes to COVID-19 coverage, surprise medical bills and junk health plans that fail to cover pre-existing conditions. Consumers for Quality Care (CQC) is helping Americans understand their options for selecting health insurance coverage and making sure they know the details of the health care plans they are selecting.
Already, insurance companies are changing their policies when it comes to COVID-19. Nearly three-quarters of the largest health plans across the country are ending their COVID-19 cost-sharing waivers, a move that will only harm patients. Health care costs are continuing to rise for Nevadans, and polling from ALG Research and the Mellman Group on behalf of CQC found that 75% of Nevadans agree that the amount they pay for health care seems to be going up every year. Consumers should not have to deal with crushing medical debt, especially during a pandemic that has caused unprecedented job loss and income reduction. It has never been more important to weigh the options and take considerable care when choosing a health plan.
Telehealth has become a lifeline for many Americans during COVID-19, including those in Nevada. The vital service has proven popular for Silver State patients with mental health challenges, helping Nevadans get the care they need. Unfortunately, some insurers are already rolling back coverage for this essential tool, which has proven to have profound benefits even beyond the pandemic, particularly in rural and underserved communities that often lack easy access to health care services. When selecting a health plan, consumers should understand how services like telehealth will be covered, and if they will be covered at all.
Surprise medical bills continue to be a major problem for Nevadans. While Nevada has previously taken steps to address this issue, a report from the state this year underscores the challenges that too many patients face when it comes to unexpected bills. Legislation passed by Congress last year will protect many more Americans from surprise billing starting next year, but details of the law are still being developed. With many uninformed or in the dark about this ongoing legislative battle, consumers should always check whether a provider is in-network, and closely examine all medical bills before paying them.
With an estimated one-third of COVID-19 survivors identifying as having lasting effects from the virus, consumers in Nevada must be wary of junk health plans like short-term limited-duration insurance plans (STLDIs) that often exclude coverage of pre-existing conditions. Nevadans looking to save on health care costs should avoid STLDIs, which entice consumers with lower premiums but often leave them without adequate coverage when they need it most.
To protect patients from out-of-control COVID-19 costs and bills, lawmakers, state insurance commissioners, insurers and hospitals need to address rising health care costs and ensure all Americans can access the quality, affordable care they need and deserve.
In the meantime, CQC urges Nevadans to carefully examine their health insurance options during 2021’s open enrollment so they can make the best possible decision for themselves and their families.
Donna Christensen served nine terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, beginning in 1996 when she became the first woman to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands in Congress. She also was the first female physician elected to serve as a House member. She now serves on the board of directors of Consumers for Quality Care.
