SCHENECTADY — MVP Health Care, which includes Franklin and Essex counties in its 700,000-member market across New York and Vermont, announced Tuesday it is waiving all costs related to testing and treatment of COVID-19.

“Now more than ever, our members must have access to services that can help them manage their health in a personal way,” President and CEO Christopher Del Vecchio said in a prepared statement. “As a health insurance company, it is our duty to do everything we can to support our members, our front-line providers and our communities as they navigate this difficult situation.”

He said MVP is making the following changes during the pandemic:

¯ Eliminating all prior authorization requirements for COVID-19 testing and treatment.

¯ Covering the full cost of COVID-19 testing, including the cost of the visit for the test.

¯ Covering the full cost of treatment associated with COVID-19 cases until May 31. Treatment costs associated with COVID-19 will be covered retroactively back to April 1.

¯ Offering our members no-cost access to myERnow, a new virtual emergency room that gives members access to an ER provider via phone, tablet or computer, 24/7 from the comfort of their home. The emergency-medicine-trained providers can assess a patient’s condition, coordinate testing and prescribe appropriate treatment, if necessary, for COVID-19.

¯ Offering our members no-cost access to all telemedicine services including via myVisitNow for other health related needs such as behavioral health services.

¯ NY State of Health and Vermont Health Connect have announced a special enrollment period for uninsured individuals. MVP is available to help enroll those who need it in health insurance in New York plan through May 15 via MVP’s customer support line, 1-800-TALK-MVP (1-800-825-5687).

¯ MVP is expanding its meal delivery benefit to select Medicare members who meet specific criteria and may not be able to obtain food otherwise. MVP is also addressing the needs of members who may be at-risk for lack of access to food by working with local, community-based organizations that can assist during this time.

¯ In partnership with SEFCU, BBL and CDPHP, MVP is working to transform the Hilton Garden Inn in Albany into a “Heroes Landing” — a free nearby respite for doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to receive much-needed rest, nutrition, comfort and strength between shifts.

¯ Providing timely information and updates for members, providers and employer groups at https://www.mvphealthcare.com/COVID19 and on its social media pages.