Horizon BCBS New Jersey gives $2.5 million for personal protection equipment

To help front-line health professionals responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is spending $2.35 million to donate 500,000 N95 respirator masks and 81,000 face shields to the state's coordinated-response effort.

The first shipment of these supplies is expected to be delivered to the state for distribution beginning next week, with additional deliveries planned throughout April.

Horizon BCBCNJ is also donating $100,000 to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey and $60,000 to the Jewish Family Service of Atlantic and Cape May, two organizations which are responding to the needs of residents feeling the economic impact of the pandemic.

This is the largest single donation made by Horizon BCBSNJ in its 88 year history, the company said.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Providers continue to face critical shortages of critical care staff, ventilators, masks and other personal protection equipment.

Hospitals are facing layoffs and other measures as they pay out of pocket to prepare for a surge of COVID-19 patients or, as is the case at many hospitals in New York City, are already at overcapacity.

THE LARGER TREND

Many insurers are waiving costs for patients being treated for COVID-19.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is extending its previously announced waiver of all member cost-sharing obligations to include all covered benefits associated with treatment for COVID-19. The policy, retroactive to March 1, 2020, and in place through at least June 30, 2020, means that members will pay no deductible, co-pay or coinsurance for inpatient and outpatient care when their claim indicates treatment was related to COVID-19.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is a taxpaying, not-for-profit health insurer.

Horizon and its philanthropic arm, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, have contributed more than $80 million to New Jersey's community organizations and causes since 2004.

ON THE RECORD

Kevin P. Conlin, Horizon BCBSNJ's chairman, president and CEO, said, "Our communities and our health care system are facing extraordinary challenges and Horizon is responding with our most significant donation ever to support New Jersey's vital organizations and healthcare professionals."

"Horizon has always worked to give New Jersey's hospitals and doctors the tools they need to deliver the best care for our members, whether that be advanced data to help them make better decisions or this essential equipment needed to protect them while they work," added Allen Karp, Horizon BCBSNJ's executive vice president for Healthcare Management and Transformation.

Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com