Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

Medical Plan Updates: 8/10/2020

 

Kaiser Permanente (Kaiser) 8/10/2020 updates

  • Members were provided mental health resources to start the conversation about emotional health with their children. Resources also included assisting children with building emotional well-being and resiliency, a depression self-assessment tool for adults, and self-care tips.
  • Members were provided tips for coping with loneliness and staying connected and positive through isolation.

 

UnitedHealthcare (UHC)

  • The Refill Too Soon edit has been reimplemented, allowing members to work with providers and pharmacies for medication updates as needed.
    • Members requesting early refills can contact the UHC call center for assistance. 8/10/2020 update
  • UHC has delayed the launch of the Medication Sourcing Expansion program to October 1, 2020.
    • The program is a specialty pharmacy requirement which directs hospitals to obtain certain specialty medications from designated specialty pharmacies. 8/10/2020 update
  • UHC is continuing to waive cost sharing for Virtual Visits through Teladoc, Doctor on Demand, and AmWell for all COVID-19 Virtual Visits through October 22, 2020 and non-COVID-19 coverage until September 30, 2020.
    • Beginning October 1, 2020, members will pay the copay for both COVID-10 and non COVID-19 services, with copays for COVID-19 services with a COVID-19 diagnosis being reimbursed to the members. 8/3/2020 update
  • UHC has updated their waiving of cost sharing with in-network providers, for members using telehealth interactive audio-video technology with their physical, occupational, and speech therapists from the end of the national public health emergency to September 30, 2020. 8/3/2020 update
  • Cigna provided a resource flyer including useful tools and links to help members access care if concerned they have contracted COVID-19.
  • Cigna is extending its waiving of member cost sharing for COVID-19 diagnostic testing, COVID-19 related visits and treatment, and COVID-19 related virtual medical visits, through October 31, 2020.
    • Non-diagnostic and antibody testing are not be covered. 8/3/2020 update

 

Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem) 8/3/2020 updates

  • The Anthem Sydney Care mobile application now offers additional features that allow members to assess symptoms for COVID-19 and to connect to doctors via LiveHealth online video or Virtual Care text.
    • COVID-19 assessment and LiveHealth online video sessions are free to members
    • Through December 31, 2020, members first two Virtual Care text sessions are free, will additional sessions at $19 each
  • Anthem is now offering an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to assist members with their well-being and peace of mind. Members can access the program at anthemEAP.com, by choosing the Log-in button and entering EAP Can Help.
    • Members will have access to the following:
      • Online seminars providing emotional support
      • Regularly updated links to news outlets and health organizations
      • Child and Elder care resources
      • Legal and financial information

 

Helpful Links:

 

Archive Links:

 

The Department of Human Resources (DHR) works closely with the County-sponsored medical plans available to our employees, and receives regular updates concerning the COVID-19 crisis.  Watch this page for weekly news, as well as any urgent updates on how to get treatment and new recommendations concerning social distancing, self-quarantine, and more.