Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)
Medical Plan Updates: 8/24/2020
Kaiser Permanente (Kaiser)
- Kaiser has joined the phase three COVID-19 clinical trials, with plans to enroll approximately 1,400 participants across four sites in California and Oregon.
- Recently published Kaiser research has shown that obesity was associated with a substantial increased risk of death from COVID-19. Additionally, the risk of death from COVID-19 associated with obesity is not uniform among those who are obese, but instead disproportionately affecting men and people under 60 years of age.
UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
- Through October 22, 2020, UHC will waive cost sharing for ground emergency and medically appropriate non-emergency ambulance transportation for COVID-19 related services.
- This includes ground transportation from facility to facility for patients with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis; however, it does not include transportation to a residence
- During the national public health emergency period, UHC will cover medically appropriate COVID-19 testing, at no cost share, when ordered by a physician or appropriately licensed health care professional for purposes of diagnosis or treatment of an individual member.
- This includes diagnostic and antibody tests at Walgreens’ drive up test sites
and Everlywell and LabCorp-manufactured home tests
Cigna
- Cigna provided flyers outlining tools and resources for what to do if members believe they have contracted COVID-19. Steps included:
- Using the Buoy for Cigna Symptom Checker
- Connecting with a provider
- Accessing testing (via home or testing center)
Anthem Blue Cross (Anthem)
- Anthem provided members with information on the importance of social distancing. This included noting the benefits of staying apart from other, which can help reduce the all-at-once, exponential spread of COVID-19, and slow the rate of infection. Members were encouraged to:
- Continue working remotely (if possible)
- If they must return to work, to follow the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
- Stay home when feeling ill
- Take advantage of mental health services through various telehealth options
Helpful Links:
- Customer Testing
- Sydney Care
- Anthem EAP Resources
- Testing Flyer
- FFCRA Packet
- Healthy Lifestyle Programs
- Employee Program
- How to get the care you need
- Return to Worksite
- CIGNA Special Coverage
- FAQs on Leave of Absence
- Mask Etiquette
- Mental Health Toolkit
- Social Health Resources
- United Healthcare FAQs
- COVID-19 Study
- Weekly Summary (5/8/2020)
- Member Updates
- Work at Home Tips
- Webinars for COLA
- Manage Stress and Anxiety
- Stress Management
- Covid-19 Resources
- My Strength Flyer
- Member Education Flyer
- Sydney Care Flyer
- Telehealth
- Kaiser Permanente
Archive Links:
- 3-16-2020
- 3-30-2020
- 4-06-2020
- 4-13-2020
- 4-20-2020
- 5-07-2020
- 6-22-2020
- 6-29-2020
- 7-13-2020
- 7-20-2020
- 7-27-2020
- 8-10-2020
- 8-17-2020
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.