Insights

On March 19, 2020, Gov. Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-05 providing guidance in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Further, Bulletin 252 was issued on March 26, 2020, to assist those regulated by the Indiana Department of Insurance regarding said executive order. Among other topics for various state agencies, the executive order requests insurers to:

• Implement a 60-day moratorium (March 19, 2020, through May 18, 2020) on policy cancellations for nonpayment of premiums applicable to all lines of business
• Cover COVID-19 testing without requiring prior authorization
• Not increase prices or coverage costs involving COVID-19 medical care

Further, the executive order states that mental health professionals are permitted to practice via telemedicine, and that premium payments required for the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are waived. It also expands telehealth services (by suspending restrictions and requirements for face-to-face encounters for certain health services).

Employers should be aware of these developments.

Executive Order 20-05 »
Bulletin 252 »