Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have taken important steps to deliver timely accommodations to providers and customers, helping to ensure that customers have continued access to COVID-19 screening, testing, and treatment in safe settings.

Extension of key accommodations
To align with the recent extension of the federal public health emergency (PHE) period, we are again extending the cost-share waiver for COVID-19 testing and testing-related services - as well as accommodations related to provider credentialing and virtual care - through July 20, 2021.

Monoclonal antibody treatments reminder
On April 16, 2021, the FDA revoked the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Bamlanivimab, when administered alone, due to a sustained increase in COVID-19 viral variants in the U.S. that are resistant to this antibody therapy. The FDA determined that the known and potential benefits of Bamlanivimab, when administered alone, no longer outweigh the known and potential risks. However, the FDA indicated that alternative monoclonal antibody therapies, including Casirivimab & Imdevimab and Bamlanivimab & Etesevimab remain appropriate to treat COVID-19 patients, and health care providers may continue using these authorized therapies when administered together.

As a reminder, Cigna continues to cover the administration of these medications with no prior authorization when administered consistently with EUA guidelines and our COVID-19 Drug and Biologic Therapeutics coverage policy.

Because many individuals are unaware of the treatments and where to receive them, we encourage providers, including hospitals, to prescribe the medications and arrange the infusion sites necessary to administer the drugs when medically necessary and prudent to do so. Cigna Case Managers will also continue to engage with providers, as necessary, to help facilitate the therapy for your patients who may be eligible. Working together, we believe we can help reduce the strain on already overburdened hospitals, and support the health and well-being of your patients.

To find locations that may be able to provide monoclonal antibody therapeutic treatments, view the resources available to support providers and patients, including:

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) outpatient antibody treatment locator tool, which displays locations that have received shipments of FDA EUA approved monoclonal antibody therapeutics within the past several weeks.
• The National Infusion Center Association COVID-19 Antibody Treatment Locator, which helps providers find infusion centers that are administering COVID-19 antibody therapies.

Get all the latest updates
We updated our dedicated COVID-19 provider web page on April 26, 2021 to highlight the latest updates, including the extension of our accommodations through July 20, 2021. We encourage you to visit the site to get these updates and more.

Thank you again for the quality care you provide and for all that you're doing to help our customers.