New York Governor’s State Disaster Emergency Order

Effective August 28, 2022, for specific benefit plans, UnitedHealthcare will temporarily cover the monkeypox virus initial diagnosis and vaccine administration without cost sharing (copay, coinsurance, or deductible). This will continue for the duration of New York State’s disaster emergency period.

• Commercial health plans sitused in New York state, including fully insured plans, UnitedHealthcare Individual & Family ACA Marketplace plans and Empire plans. (You can see the situs state on the member’s ID card):
  • Care for Diagnosis – when done via telehealth or at an in-network provider’s office, urgent care center or other outpatient provider setting, or an emergency department of a hospital
  • Testing – no cost sharing when performed at an in-network laboratory to diagnose the monkeypox virus
  • Immunization – no cost sharing when the virus immunization and administration is done by an in-network or out-of-network health care professional

Treatment for the monkeypox virus is covered according to the patient’s health plan. Cost share may be imposed for any treatment or follow-up care.

The New York State Department of Health website provides information regarding the availability of vaccines. Monkeypox Vaccine Locator - Monkeypox Vaccine Locator (mpoxvaxmap.org)