March 5, 2020
Washington – The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) is committed to addressing the challenges presented by COVID-19, prioritizing prevention, testing and treatment.
ACHP’s member companies are invested in the health of the communities they serve and are taking important steps to protect public health nationwide. The member health plans have pledged to treat COVID-19 testing as a covered benefit, ensuring affordability is not a barrier to the individuals who are recommended for testing by their doctor or a public health authority.
Closely aligned with their provider partners, ACHP member health plans will:
- Highly coordinate coverage and care for the most vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with chronic conditions who are most at risk for complications as a result of COVID-19.
- Collaborate with their community partners to offer appropriate prevention resources as well as proactively and directly provide consumers prevention information.
- Continue quick, coordinated communication across plans and providers to guarantee patients receive the highest quality coverage and care.
“ACHP members continue to put the health of their communities first, preventing the spread of this virus but remain concerned about the availability of tests as we work to ensure affordable access to testing and treatment,” said Ceci Connolly, President and CEO of the Alliance of Community Health Plans. “This is a rapidly evolving situation. ACHP will continue to partner with the CDC and other clinical experts to coordinate on up-to-the-minute best steps we can take to keep communities healthy.”
ACHP also urges consumers to telephone their provider and utilize their telehealth benefits, often provided at no cost, to help prevent further spread of the virus.
ACHP applauds Congress for the swift action to provide resources to combat COVID-19. ACHP will continue working with states and local health authorities to make sure the newly appropriated resources are used to provide consumers access to testing at no cost.
About ACHP
The Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP) represents the nation’s top-performing non-profit health plans to improve affordability and outcomes in the health care system. ACHP member companies are provider-aligned health organizations that provide high-quality coverage and care to tens of millions of Americans. They are leading the industry in practical, proven reforms around primary care delivery, value-based payment and data-driven systems improvement.
ACHP advocates on behalf of its members and a unique approach to health care today, one that puts the patient at the center with health plans and clinical teams collaborating to improve health outcomes and reduce costs. Our advocacy focuses on providing policymakers with tested solutions being realized in communities nationwide and rooted in a model that is proven to deliver better value for patients, employers and taxpayers. Learn more at the ACHP website and follow us on Twitter for the latest health insights.
