Sanford Health Plan waiving out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19

Officials with the Sanford Health Plan said Friday the insurance carrier is waiving all out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 treatment through the end of May.

The health plan will cover all costs for testing and treatment for its members, including outpatient care and inpatient hospital stays, the company said in a release. It applies to all fully insured group and individual plans for its customers in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota.

Out-of-pocket costs include medical co-pays, deductibles and coinsurance charges related to treatment for COVID-19.

“This is about providing peace of mind to our members,” John Snyder, president of the Sanford Health Plan, said in a statement. “This is an uncertain time for many families and we’re doing our part to stand with them as we all navigate this pandemic.”

The announcement follows a similar move earlier this week by the Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in those four states. During his Thursday briefing, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum lauded the decision by the Blues and said he hoped other insurance providers would do the same.