Humana will expand its telehealth portfolio to assist member access connected health services to help combat the life-threatening coronavirus pandemic. Humana, a Kentucky-based payer serves more than 13 million people. It announced that it would waive co-payments for telehealth services delivered by in-network providers, which includes service extended by MDLive and Medicare Advantage members, services to commercial members in Puerto Rico and services offered by Doctor On Demand to commercial members.

Humana will also enforce payment parity to telehealth services by in-network providers temporarily. It will also waive the requirement of telemedicine platforms to be audio-visual and will allow coverage for audio only services temporarily. Humana will expand the roster of providers allowed to use telehealth to include specialty providers, like behavioral health providers.

William Shrank, MD, Humana’s chief medical officer said that Humana serves many older adults and people with multiple chronic conditions at greater risk from novel coronavirus. They also recognize that social distancing can be an effective strategy to slow down the spread of COVID-19, and the states have ordered people to shelter in place. Thus, they are encouraging members to make the most of telehealth whenever possible and it has updated policies to make telehealth services more accessible and affordable.

This announcement by Humana follows a similar announcement that was issued by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association that expands telehealth coverage for members in the 36 independent BCBS companies spread across the country.

Now the nation is making more arrangements to combat the growing coronavirus emergency. In these times payers are joining the efforts of state and federal governments to improve access to telehealth and mHealth services. Medicaid programs and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has eased restricted guidelines on Medicare coverage.