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COVID-19 Billing FAQs

COVID-19 Billing FAQs Main Content

Billing related to COVID-19 for services received March 6, 2020 through the course of the Declared Public Health Emergency period.

Guidelines and your insurance coverage may change as the pandemic evolves. We recommend that you contact your health insurance carrier for specifics on your benefit coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coverage requirements may vary by Medicare, Medicaid, Commercial, and self-funded plans. The federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act, passed on March 18, 2020, requires health insurance companies to waive cost-sharing charges for FDA-approved COVID-19 testing. Cost-sharing includes copayments, co-insurance and deductibles. This requirement does NOT apply to testing conducted to screen for general workplace health and safety (such as employee “return to work” programs), pt for public health surveillance testing.

Employers requiring their employees to be tested or screened for general workplace health and safety (such as employee “return to work” programs, State of Illinois requirements for Long Term Care facilities, etc.), or for public health surveillance testing are responsible for the costs of these services. For services provided under these circumstances, Carle will not bill the patient’s insurance or the patient, and will bill their employer. Carle will not release individual test results to employers without a signed contract and an "Authorization to Release Protected Health Information" form signed by the employee. Employers may contact Carle Occupational Medicine at (217) 383-6730 or amy.cathorall@carle.com to contract for these services.

Testing service information:

Champaign County Public Health

McLean County Public Health

Is Carle charging for COVID-19 related care?

  • If you do get tested for COVID-19 when the test is ordered by a physician for clinical reasons (i.e., it is medically necessary because you have symptoms or known exposure to the novel coronavirus) during the above date range, your insurance will cover the cost of the test and you will not have to pay for the test.
  • Depending on your insurance provider, COVID-19 related visits, whether the visit is performed as an inpatient, in a healthcare provider’s office, urgent care center, emergency department or through telehealth may not be covered. If your insurance does not pay for it, or you have out-of-pocket responsibility, you will be responsible for paying the bill.
  • If charges cause a financial hardship or you do not have insurance, consider applying for Carle Financial Assistance (CFAP). If you’re approved for CFAP, you may only be responsible for a portion of the bill or you may not have to pay anything at all. If you are not approved for CFAP, you will be responsible for paying the bill.
What will I have to pay to get the vaccine? Is it covered by insurance?

The federal government will cover the cost of the vaccine at this time. Most insurance plans are mandated by Federal law to cover the cost to deliver the vaccine without applying out-of-pocket responsibility to you. There are no out-of-pocket costs to receive the vaccine.

Carle does charge for the administration of the vaccine, which will be billed to your insurer. You may see this charge on your Explanation of Benefits sent by your insurer, or in your MyCarle account. These are not bills from Carle asking you to pay. If you do receive a bill from Carle requesting you to pay and you believe you have been billed in error, please call Carle Patient Financial Services at (888) 71-CARLE or (888) 712-2753.

I do not have health insurance. Will I have to pay to get vaccine at Carle?

The federal government will cover the cost of vaccine for those who are uninsured. If you have more questions about your healthcare costs or a Carle bill contact Carle Patient Financial Services at (888) 71-CARLE, (888) 712-2753.

May I request a delay in billing if I am newly out of work due to COVID-19 business restrictions at my job?

Carle recognizes the financial challenges caused by this pandemic, and is taking several steps to address these challenges. We will work with you to determine eligibility for Carle’s Financial Assistance Program. For those patients who do have outstanding balances to pay, we will work with you to establish payment plans.

Can I apply/re-apply for Carle Financial Assistance Program now since my employment has changed?

Yes, patients are always encouraged to apply for Carle’s Financial Assistance Program.

Will Carle delay or postpone bills for someone experiencing financial hardship?

Carle will not delay or postpone bills, but we will work with patients to determine eligibility for Carle’s Financial Assistance Program. For patients who have outstanding balances to pay, we will work with you to establish payment plans.