11 May 2023– The Executive Committee of SWSCHP has taken formal action with regard to copays associated with COVID. We ask that our members note this change, as it will impact future individual costs for testing and cost-sharing.

SWSCHP members may recall that through the pandemic, SWSCHP waived all in-network copays and out-of-network cost sharing for COVID-9 and antibody testing and related services, as well as waiving in-network copays for tele-health services, including LiveHealth. These waivers were implemented in accordance with state and federal regulation. 

On May 11, 2023, the federal declaration of a public health emergency and emergency regulations of the NYS Department of Financial Services expired. Therefore, SWSCHP has discontinued all of the above-mentioned COVID-related coverage obligations and requirements. The provision of all healthcare services related to COVID, including testing and treatment, will be guided by (normal) existing plan restrictions.

This action does not include the coverage currently provided for COVID vaccinations as those are preventative health services which shall continue without cost to the members.