The Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB) has been monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) as positive cases continue to be confirmed in the District, Maryland, and Virginia. Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared both a state of emergency and a public health emergency and on March 30, she issued a stay-at-home order for District residents.

In response, the Department has developed guidance for health insurance companies so that policyholders have access to the care and support they need. The Department’s Frequently Asked Questions includes information and updates.

The Department has been working closely with the Executive Office of the Mayor, the Health Benefit Exchange Authority, and other District agencies to make sure that District policyholders do not experience barriers to testing and treatment. Each of the District’s health insurance companies will offer flexible options for consumers and, in some cases, waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing. Insurer will also allow access to early refills for prescription drugs and, to the extent possible, extend grace periods for premium payments. The Department has issued Bulletin 20-IB-3/13--Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Washington DC Metropolitan Region to offer additional guidance for the insurance industry.