Health Care Service Corporation Now Covering Zephyr Valve in US

Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) has issued a positive coverage policy for Pulmonx’s Zephyr Endobronchial Valve for treating severe emphysema, a form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). HCSC is the largest customer-owned health insurer in the U.S., and the fifth largest insurer overall. HCSC operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, providing coverage to more than 16 million people. The new policy was effective Sunday (Nov. 1). Other major insurers that also cover the Zephyr Valve include Priority Health, Humana and Aetna. "We commend HCSC for making this positive coverage decision, providing its members with severe emphysema access to a minimally invasive option to breathe easier and have a better quality of life," Glen French, president and CEO of Pulmonx, said in a press release. "As a pulmonologist in Illinois I am very