Catastrophic Plans in Medical Billing

What is a catastrophic plan?

Designed to have low premiums but still protect its enrollee’s from substantial medical debt if they suffer a catastrophic illness. These plans have a major role in Covid-19 crisis.

In medical billing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 can be filed under catastrophic plans. These plans must cover essential health benefits (EHB) as required by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) but are typically subject to limitations. Health issuer can amend their catastrophic plans to provide pre-deductible coverage for services related to the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. 

Catastrophic plans help patients who can’t afford more comprehensive plans. Though expanded catastrophic plan maybe harder on medical billing systems, reimbursements to hospitals and providers will likely remain the same.