There are some major changes in
regards to COVID-19 testing for New Yorkers.
Carbon Health is a private COVID-19
testing site, which means you may be paying out of pocket if it is not
considered a medical necessity.
It does not apply to city-run sites
like Health and Hospitals. It also does not apply to state-run testing sites.
A spokesperson from the state
Department of Health explained that New Yorkers going to those facilities will
not be charged for a test.
State officials do say that if you
go to a testing site operated by local governments, private companies and
medical practices, you may face out-of-pocket charges. This includes pharmacies
and nonprofit organizations.
It comes down to medical necessity,
so insurance would pay for tests if you were exposed to COVID-19, have symptoms
or before an operation.
A spokesperson at Carbon Health
said in part, "Due to changes in state and
federal regulations regarding testing reimbursement, insurance companies are no
longer covering visits if patients do not have COVID-19 symptoms or a known
exposure. Insurance companies are now only covering visits for medical
necessity."
An example of when
you would have to pay at private clinics include routine testing, for travel
or for a return to school or work.
The state Health Department advises
New Yorkers to always check with the facility and their insurance company
before their visit.