Tuesday, March 31, 2020

CV-19 & Labels

Well, off-label, actually:

I've been asked how carriers might handle the off-label use of meds like Chloroquine (generally used as an anti-malarial drug, and also for lupus) . That is, would this "off-label use" still be considered a valid/covered expense?

To that end, I've reached out to one of our carriers (and been trying to do so with others) to see how this issue has historically been addressed. By way of example, I've posed this:
"Researching a post on how carriers *might* handle use of chloroquine for COVID-19. NOT asking how y'all will handle that issue specifically, but just how/if cover off-label use of meds for medically-necessary issues. For example, using Colchicine (gout med) for Pericarditis (pericardium inflammation). *In general*, is this kind of thing usually covered?"
As one might imagine, carriers are (understandably) reluctant to pre-adjudicate a hypothetical claim, and so I've been very carefiul to emphasize that I'm looking only for a historical perspective, which may be of value in the current situation.

So far, I've been kicked up the food chain, but still awaiting an on-point response.

If you are in a position (or know someone who is) to help us with an answer, I would be very grateful for your help. And, of course, confidentiality is a given.
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