News about COVID-19, the new coronavirus, is everywhere. This is a rapidly evolving situation, so it’s important to have sources that you can turn to for reliable information. It’s also important to know how your medical benefits through the Board of Pensions can support you, should the need arise.
We are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide any additional information as it becomes available.
What the Board is doing
Effective immediately, all three medical plan options (PPO, EPO, and HDHP) will cover 100 percent of the cost for coronavirus testing — you pay no deductible, copay, or copayment — when done by a network provider. If you’re enrolled in Medicare Supplement, Medicare pays 100 percent of the cost for lab testing for the coronavirus.
In addition, if you are enrolled in the PPO or EPO options, all copays when using Teladoc* will be waived through June 30, 2020. If you are enrolled in the HDHP, the cost for a Teladoc visit is $45. The plan pays 80 percent of the cost after you pay the annual deductible. You can use funds in your health savings account to help pay for these expenses.
It’s also good to know that if you take any medication on an ongoing basis or need specialty medications, OptumRx is closely monitoring drug supplies and does not expect any delays in filling prescriptions through mail order or through OptumRx Specialty Pharmacy.
Finally, you, and anyone who lives with you, can also contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)* 24/7 for emotional support by calling 866-640-2772 or logging into their website.
Protect against COVID-19
To protect yourself and those around you from COVID-19, learn about what COVID-19 is, the symptoms, and every day preventive measures you can take. You should also be familiar with travel restrictions and bans.
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your doctor and follow their instructions (they will be following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for evaluating possible coronavirus patients).
If using Teladoc, Teladoc doctors can answer questions about the disease, evaluate your risk, and provide supportive care to help relieve symptoms. While Teladoc doctors cannot conduct diagnostic testing to confirm diagnoses, they will help guide you to the next step for care.
Postponed CREDO and Board seminars
Out of an abundance of caution, the Board of Pensions has suspended upcoming CREDO conferences through April 15. CREDO faculty and participants have been notified and will receive information as the conferences are rescheduled. All other group seminars through April 15 have been canceled as well. The Board will continue to monitor the situation, evaluate the status of future gatherings after April 1, and continue to provide updates.
We continue to pray for good health and for healing for those who have been impacted. |
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| *Teladoc and the EAP are not available to members enrolled in Triple-S, GeoBlue, or the Medicare Supplement Plan. |
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