COVID-19 Coverage Information for Employers and Members We are closely monitoring the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We are committed to helping our employer customers and members stay informed and educated about COVID-19 and assisting those who might be affected.
With regard to treatment for COVID-19, our plans cover medically necessary health benefits, including physician services, hospitalization and emergency services consistent with the terms of the member’s benefit plan. Members should always call the number on their ID card for answers to their specific benefit questions.
For diagnostic testing for COVID-19, please note the following coverage information.
Coverage for fully insured members: Effective immediately for all fully insured members, for testing to diagnose COVID-19 when medically necessary and consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance:
No prior authorization needed
No member copays or deductibles
The same coverage above applies to HSA qualified high-deductible health plans, pursuant to the IRS notice on COVID-19 issued March 11, 2020.
Coverage for self-insured and split-funded* members: Self-insured and split-funded employers must opt in to offer their employees the testing to diagnose COVID-19 when medically necessary and consistent with CDC guidance with:
No prior authorization needed
No member copays or deductibles
Action needed: Self-insured and split-funded groups must communicate their agreement to opt in by emailing their account executive or broker to activate this coverage. These groups must opt in by March 31, 2020.
*A split-funded group self-insures a portion of their benefits and a portion is premium.
News from the Blues
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Responds to COVID-19 with Expanded Telehealth Program
We are improving access to care for your covered employees by expanding the telehealth “virtual visits” program in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
“We’re committed to helping our members, employer customers and our own employees stay informed about COVID-19 and assisting those who may be affected,” said Steve Hamman, president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL). “To give our members flexible options to access care, which can help reduce the spread of serious infections, we are expanding our telehealth coverage in Illinois.”
Effective March 10, 2020, we began covering telehealth “virtual” visits with in-network Illinois providers for eligible BCBSIL PPO and Blue Choice members. This means your qualified covered employees whose own provider offers the telehealth* service will now have that benefit covered as a regular office visit.
This coverage benefit is in addition to the telehealth benefits currently offered to eligible employer groups by MDLIVE®. MDLIVE is a vendor that offers telehealth by independently contracted board-certified doctors.
Covered telehealth visits include two-way, live interactive telephone communication and online digital consultations, that allow your concerned employees to connect with their physicians while reducing the risk of exposure to contagious viruses or further illness.
Employees with questions about their benefits should call the number on their member BCBSIL ID Card.
*Telehealth benefits will continue to be evaluated over time by BCBSIL to help ensure appropriate range and scope.
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
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