CommercialCoverageMedium impact
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) Testing
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi·MS·Medical Policy
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi updated their COVID-19 RT-PCR testing policy, specifying that only FDA-approved tests are covered while tests with Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) are now considered investigational and not covered. The policy clarifies coverage for symptomatic patients, exposed asymptomatic individuals, and pre-surgical testing for specific procedures.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team must verify all COVID-19 RT-PCR tests are FDA-approved (not just EUA authorized) before billing. Stop billing for any EUA-only tests as these are now considered investigational. Update encounter forms to document symptoms, exposure history, or pre-surgical requirements clearly. Claims without proper documentation or using non-FDA-approved tests will be denied.