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State investigating coronavirus related price gouging
State investigating coronavirus related price gouging
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Washington’s insurance commissioner has issued an order requiring health insurers in the state to not charge copays or deductibles for people who require testing for the coronavirus.
Commissioner Mike Kreidler made the announcement at a Thursday news conference.
Authorities also say people who have to see an out of network provider would have that visit covered as if it was within their insurance plan. The order is effective until May 4.
According to the order:
Authorities said Thursday there at least 70 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state, up from 39 on Wednesday. Eleven people have died. One case has been reported in rural Grant Count in central Washington. The rest are in the Seattle area.
Vice President Mike Pence plans to meet Thursday with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and other state officials about the response to the virus during a visit to the state.
READ MORE: Washington now has 70 confirmed cases of coronavirus, no new deaths reported