Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates – April 28, 2020

Today, all our employer groups received the following email, which contained updates about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and our ongoing response to this public health emergency:

“As our communities continue to deal with the effects of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus, we pledge to keep you updated on the actions we’re taking to respond to these challenging times. Please read on for our latest updates.

Coverage for Multiple Types of COVID-19 Testing

Experts have determined that many types of tests help diagnose the illness. Your plan will cover, with no member cost share for your employees, appropriate medically necessary diagnostic laboratory testing for COVID-19. This includes serological (antibody) tests for COVID-19. Also covered with no member cost share are tests for other causes of respiratory illness if an individual’s doctor determines that these tests (such as influenza and blood tests) are needed to help diagnose whether or not that person has COVID-19. Cost sharing is also waived for COVID-19 testing related visits in doctors’ offices, urgent care centers, emergency departments and via telehealth. These actions will continue for the duration of the public health emergency. However, please inform your employees that not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19, and they should ask their doctors whether or not they should seek a test.

Care Coordination

Our care coordinators are working hard during the current stay-at-home orders, partnering with local health systems to provide increased support to our members. Coordinators and health coaches have been reaching out to members by telephone to offer care assessment, guidance, education and support. They’re helping members navigate chronic illnesses and get the care they need in the midst of these challenging times. Please let your employees know that they can give our care coordinators a call at (800) 851-3379, ext. 28947, if they or a loved one could use their assistance.

Among other recent efforts, our coordinators are:

• helping members connect with their doctors virtually, for telehealth services
• educating members about medication adherence and early refill options
• helping members manage their diabetes and other illnesses from home
• sharing reliable information about public health and safety during the pandemic

They’re also assisting members recovering from COVID-19 who’ve been discharged from the hospital, helping them transition to home care while they finish their recovery.

A Final Word

Many around the country are avoiding visits to the hospital or delaying other healthcare services so as not to catch the virus. Please inform your employees that if they have serious or life-threatening conditions, they should not stay home or avoid care – in these cases, they should continue to visit the hospital emergency department and they should still call 911 in all emergencies. Hospitals and healthcare providers are taking extra measures to ensure the safety of all their patients, so that vital and emergency procedures can continue.

If their condition isn’t serious or life-threatening, they shouldn’t delay and they should call their doctor to get a recommendation for what action is best in their situation. They may do the same for previously scheduled appointments for healthcare services that are not critical or timely.

We’re here for you and your employees during these challenging times. Feel free to visit our webpage for additional details about coverage for COVID-19 testing, treatment and services. As always, if you have any questions for us, please call Client Support at (217) 902-8151 or email ClientSupport@healthalliance.org.

Stay well,

Health Alliance and Health Alliance Northwest”

If you have any questions, please contact Broker Services at BrokerServices@healthalliance.org or by calling (877) 917-8489.