More Wisconsin hospitals hold off on coronavirus billing

More Wisconsin hospitals are holding off on billing for services related to the new coronavirus.

UnityPoint Health-Meriter said that it’s holding any billing for services in hospitals and clinics associated with COVID-19 until at least April 1.

That will allow regulatory bodies and payers time to determine coverage and update their systems to accept claims, she said.

“We will not send out any patient bills until we have a clear understanding of how the payers will process these claims, and any additional governmental resources that may be brought to bear,” spokeswoman Leah Huibregtse wrote in an email. “During this time, we continue to encourage community members to seek necessary treatment regardless of cost of care considerations.”

Froedtert Health is “refraining from sending patient bills related to testing for COVID-19,” per spokesman Steve Schooff.

“We continue to work and collaborate with national, regional and local healthcare organizations to help manage the healthcare needs of our patients, staff and community,” he said in an email.

Advocate Aurora Health said last week it was temporarily refraining from billing patients during the outbreak.

Others are looking into the matter. “UW Health is aware of some of the fiscal implications regarding the diagnosis and treatments around COVID-19 and we are discussing this with our payers and regulatory partners,” said spokeswoman Emily Kumlien.

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