Medical Benefits and The Coronavirus

I wanted to start this thread because there is a lot information and some very important carrier information sent directly to clients is missed.  HR are the key communicators and wanted to make sure everyone had this to pass along to their workforce. 

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    • Ryan Mount
    • Employee Benefits Specialist
    • Ryan_Mount
    • 4 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    From AETNA: 

    As I’m sure you are well aware, the Coronavirus (Covid-19) is becoming more prevalent and cases are starting to be found in our region.  As a result CVS/Aetna have decided to take action to do our part in limiting the impact of the virus in our area.  Below is a link to a press release that explains the steps CVS/Aetna is taking for members. 

    • On truly self-funded cases, these are options that can have you offer youremployees
    • All Fully-Insured or AFA AETNA pays the below
    • On HSA plans AETNA worked with the DOI and can consider these waived copays under preventative

    https://cvshealth.com/newsroom/press-releases/cvs-health-announces-covid-19-resources-aetna-members

    1. Aetna will waive co-pays for all diagnostic testing related to COVID-19. This policy will cover the test kit for patients who meet CDC guidelines for testing, which can be done in any approved laboratory location. Aetna will waive the member costs associated with diagnostic testing at any authorized location for all Commercial, Medicare and Medicaid lines of business. Self-insured plan sponsors will be able to opt-out of this program at their discretion.
    2. For the next 90 days, Aetna will offer zero co-pay telemedicine visits for any reason. Aetna members should use telemedicine as their first line of defense in order to limit potential exposure in physician offices. Cost sharing will be waived for all video visits through the CVS MinuteClinic app, Aetna-covered Teladoc offerings and in-network providers delivering synchronous virtual care (live video-conferencing) for all Commercial plan designs. Self-insured plan sponsors will be able to opt-out of this program at their discretion.
    3. Through Aetna's Healing Better program, members who are diagnosed with COVID-19 will receive a care package containing CVS over-the-counter medications to help relieve symptoms. The package will also include personal and household cleaning supplies to help keep others in the home protected from potential exposure.
    4. Through existing care management programs, Aetna will proactively reach out to members most at-risk for COVID-19. Care managers will walk members through what they can do to protect themselves, where to get information on the virus, and where to go to get tested.
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    • Ryan Mount
    • Employee Benefits Specialist
    • Ryan_Mount
    • 4 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    From Humana:

     

    An important communication to Humana Employer Group agents
    Our plan for supporting you and your clients

    As a critical partner in our efforts, we wanted to be sure you had visibility to a communication being sent to all Humana Group medical clients regarding COVID-19. Should you have any questions, please call our dedicated service line: 1-800-592-3005.
     



    I want to share an update on steps Humana is taking to support you and your employees during the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.

    Care for your employees
    Our highest priority remains the care of our members – your employees. Therefore, Humana will waive out-of-pocket costs, where allowed within state and federal law, associated with testing for COVID-19 for patients who meet CDC guidelines at approved laboratory locations. Self-insured plan sponsors will be able to opt-out of the program at their discretion.

    Additionally, Humana is working closely with federal agencies to gain clarity on the impacts of these actions on High Deductible Health Plans and Health Savings Accounts. The CDC continues to offer free testing for coronavirus.

    We are also announcing the following resources for members:

    • Telemedicine costs waived for all urgent care needs for next 90 days – To help reduce the risk of infection and spread of disease, Humana is encouraging members to use telemedicine (e.g., video chat) as a first line of defense for all urgent care needs. The company will waive costs for telemedicine visits for urgent care needs for the next 90 days. This is limited to in-network providers delivering synchronous virtual care (live video-conferencing). Self-insured plan sponsors will be able to opt-out of the program at their discretion.
    • Early prescription refills allowed for next 30 days – Humana is allowing early refills on prescription medicines so members can prepare for extended supply needs - an extra 30- or 90-day supply as appropriate.
    • Member support line available – Humana has trained a specialized group of call center associates to help support members with specific coronavirus questions and concerns, including live assistance with telemedicine. Members can call Humana’s toll-free customer support line, which can be found on the back of their member I.D. card, to be connected to this dedicated team of professionals.
    • Answers to members’ frequently asked questions are also available online.
    • An educational infographic with COVID prevention tips can be accessed here.

    Ongoing collaboration with health organizations
    Humana will continue to be in regular contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), federal agencies, state authorities and provider partners to monitor COVID developments. We will update you as needed to ensure you have visibility to any additional steps Humana takes regarding our COVID support approach.

    Steadfast commitment to supporting you
    Finally, the Humana team is committed to ensuring you have the support you need. Your Humana representative will continue to be available to assist you locally. We have also established a dedicated phone service line: 1-800-592-3005 and email account COVIDquestions@humana.com to answer any COVID-19 related questions.

    On behalf of the entire Humana organization, I want to assure you that we will continue to adapt our response to ensure you and your employees receive care and clarity as we navigate the COVID outbreak.

    • Ryan Mount
    • Employee Benefits Specialist
    • Ryan_Mount
    • 4 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    As of 03.11.2020... While other carriers have put some more info about the virus, the type of communication above has not been communicated through all broker channels.  More updates to come soon. 

    Like 1
    • Tracy Hill
    • Employee Benefits Comm. Strategist
    • Tracy_Hill
    • 4 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Great thread! So far, I'm seeing carriers respond similarly. Almost all issued press releases the end of last week or the beginning of this one. Google "{Carrier} press release covid-19". Below are some I gathered for Lumity clients. SIDENOTE: for those on HDHPs, the IRS confirmed yesterday that those plans can cover covid-19 testing and medical costs pre-deductible (essentially treating as preventive care).

    Aetna/CVS

    Press release - includes information on COVID-19 testing and waived costs.

    Anthem

    Press release - includes information on COVID-19 testing and waived costs.

    Member Information - FAQs

    Blue Shield of CA

    Press Release - includes information on COVID-19 testing and waived costs.

    Employer Alert - addressing COVID-19 with your employees.

    Member Information - email that was sent to members on March 5, 2020.

    CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

    Press Release - includes information on COVID-19 testing and waived costs.

    Cigna 

    Press Release - includes information on COVID-19 testing and waived costs.

    Employer Alert - addressing COVID-19 with your employees.

    Member Informational Flyer - FAQs

    Empire

    Member FAQs

    Florida Blue

    Member FAQs

    Harvard Pilgrims

    Member FAQs

    Kaiser 

    Press release - includes information on COVID-19 testing and waived costs.

    Member Informational Flyer - FAQs

    Tufts

    Member FAQs

    UHC

    Press Release - includes information on COVID-19 testing and waived costs and actions to support members, patients, and the community. 

    Member FAQs

    Member Information - includes information on COVID-19 testing and waived costs.

    Like 1
      • Ryan Mount
      • Employee Benefits Specialist
      • Ryan_Mount
      • 4 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Tracy Hill Thanks for getting that all up there Tracy!  

      Like 1
      • Tracy Hill
      • Employee Benefits Comm. Strategist
      • Tracy_Hill
      • 4 yrs ago
      • Reported - view

      Ryan Mount It's an all hands on deck situation. Happy to share! And thank you!

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    • Ryan Mount
    • Employee Benefits Specialist
    • Ryan_Mount
    • 4 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    For those who are with Anthem... Quick documents about LiveHealth Online and 24/7 Nurseline.  Free for the next 90 days and your first line of treatment to help avoid the spread. 

    • Ryan Mount
    • Employee Benefits Specialist
    • Ryan_Mount
    • 3 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    AETNA, Humana and UHC are all now paying 100% of testing for COVID-19, but also all treatment related to the virus as well with no cost to the member.  

    Like 1
    • Tracy Hill
    • Employee Benefits Comm. Strategist
    • Tracy_Hill
    • 3 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    Here's a list of carriers covering COVID-19 treatment, with links to more details bit.ly/carrier-coverage

    Aetna
    Anthem
    Blue Shield of California
    Cigna
    Empire Blue
    Florida Blue
    Harvard Pilgrim
    Humana
    UHC

    I expect the list will grow--these are the ones I've confirmed.

    Like
    • Tracy Hill
    • Employee Benefits Comm. Strategist
    • Tracy_Hill
    • 3 yrs ago
    • Reported - view

    PSA: Even if you don't have to pay your health insurer, you could still be billed directly by the hospitals or doctors who provide your care if they are out of network providers.

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