US-based health insurance company BlueCross has decided to waive all member co-pays and cost-sharing on FDA-approved testing for the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19).

Anyone with the symptoms of the virus can call their health care provider before visiting an office or an emergency room, the company said.

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The health care provider is expected to evaluate the symptoms and recommend whether the testing is appropriate or not.

The insurer said that it will coordinate with thousands of health care providers to direct members to the nearest testing facility as needed.

The coverage is applicable for BlueCross members under individual, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans.

Self-funded plans offered by employers can opt the COVID-19 testing as a preventive benefit without cost-sharing for their employees.

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BlueCross senior vice president and chief medical officer Andrea Willis said: “We are committed to helping slow the spread and impact of this new coronavirus.

“If a BlueCross member needs to get tested, we don’t want them to worry about the cost.”

The company noted that since January when the disease entered the US, it has been monitoring developments of COVID-19 and bracing to help its members.

The has established a pandemic plan under the advisement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Willis added: “Our clinical teams have been in close communication with public health officials so we can support our communities and any members affected by COVID-19.

“And we know our members are concerned, so we’re focused on acting and sharing information quickly to help bring them peace of mind.”