Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

  

KAISER PERMANENTE (Kaiser)

5/18/2020

  • Kaiser has a new COVID-19 hotline
    • Members can call (877) 813-7297, 24/7
    • While awaiting a representative, members will hear a series of commonly asked questions and answers.
    • After speaking with the representative, members will be directed to the appropriate care options.
  • On Wednesday, May 20, 2020, Kaiser is hosting a webinar exploring the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and well-being on the workforce
  • Kaiser provided a flyer providing members with COVID-19 related leave of absence information, including required documentation based on given medical scenarios and frequently asked questions, concerning disability and workers’ compensation.

 

5/26/2020

  • Kaiser added the following safety protocols at their medical offices:
    • Screening questions and temperature screenings at entrances; reconfigured waiting areas, cafeterias, and pharmacies; limited visiting; and required face masks/cloth coverings in all facilities (Kaiser will provide to members/visitors when needed).
  • Kaiser launched the Calm application, a free self-care digital tool designed to assist members with using meditation and mindfulness to help lower stress, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
    • Calm provides members with sleep stories; 10-minute daily meditation; masterclasses taught by world-renowned experts and celebrities; music for focus, relaxation, and sleep; and guided meditations covering anxiety, stress, and gratitude.
  • Kaiser is gradually reopening some of the temporarily closed medical offices
    • On May 26, 2020, Panorama City and North Hollywood Medical Offices will reopen.

 

6/1/2020

  • Kaiser will continue to waive member out-of-pocket costs for in-network COVID-19 related treatment through the end of the year.
  • Kaiser provided members a one-page guide on accessing care based on symptoms they may be experiencing.

 

6/8/2020

  • Kaiser has extended its waivers for all out-of-pocket costs for inpatient and outpatient COVID-19 related services through December 31, 2020.

 

6/15/2020

  • Kaiser continues to host bi-weekly webinar sessions exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health and well-being of the workforce.
    • Live and on demand webinars can be found at: org/ChooseBetter
    • The next presentation is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 11:00a.m. PDT to explore the integration of mental and social health with COVID-19.

 

6/22/2020

  • Kaiser provided members a one-page flyer on managing anxiety and lowering stress; protection when in public, as facilities begin to reopen; and the importance of not delaying care, when feeling ill.

 

CIGNA

5/18/2020

  • Cigna launched the COVID-19 Customer Protection Program to safeguard members from unexpected COVID-19 care costs through “surprise” or “balance” bills from out-of-network health care providers.
    • The program is designed to…
      • Ensure that out-of-network providers caring for Cigna members, with associated COVID-19 care costs, are promptly reimbursed at reasonable, market-based rates
      • Report excessive and/or egregious billing practices and exercise full legal options
      • Increase awareness and advocate for broader consumer protections against surprise billing
      • Work on behalf of members to support and resolve any “surprise” or “balance” billing issues by out-of-network providers

 

5/26/2020

 

6/1/2020

  • Cigna provided a comprehensive Client-Level Snapshot of special coverage for COVID-19. The chart includes information on coverage levels for COVID-19 testing, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as unrelated COVID-19 consultation, health issues, condition management, and therapy services.
    • The snapshot details…
      • Provider services
      • Previous coverage standard for the provider services
      • New coverage standards for the provider services
      • Effective dates of the new coverage standards
    • In collaboration with Foundations of New York Life, Cigna created the Brave of Heart Fund, designed to provide cash grants and behavioral health services for families of healthcare workers who passed away from COVID-19.

 

6/8/2020

 

6/15/2020– No Updates

 

6/22/2020

  • Cigna posted an 11-minute podcast addressing current regulatory changes impacting commercial group health plans, since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic: https://www.cignaondemand.com/covid/?social=
    • The podcast includes the latest notices and changes impacting mid-year elections, high-deductible health plans, and IRS Section 125.

 

ANTHEM BLUE CROSS (ANTHEM)

5/18/2020

  • Anthem provided a flyer, for member distribution, listing applicable online tools and programs currently available to members and their families.

 

5/26/2020

  • Anthem introduced Shine Light on Depression, a program developed to address and raise awareness of depression and suicide prevention among teenagers.
    • Shine Light on Depression is a web-based toolkit available to the public. https://www.shinelightondepression.org/
    • It contains evidence-based classroom lesson plans; family/community workshop materials; teen/club resources; and links to reputable community-based mental health and substance use resources.

 

6/1/2020

  • Anthem is providing members with free resources for family caregivers
    • Members can access local caregiving resources through Archangels, an organization dedicated to supporting, recognizing, and honoring caregivers.
    • Members can create personal support groups to coordinate daily caregiving tasks for loved ones through the Ianacare mobile app.

 

6/8/2020

  • Anthem has extended cost share waivers to members seeking in-network COVID-19 related treatment through December 31, 2020.
  • Anthem has extended member access to expanded telehealth coverage and cost share waivers for in-network virtual care through September 30, 2020.

 

6/15/2020

  • To assist employees and employers in making informed, data-driven decisions, Anthem has introduced a new web portal of Recovery Resources: https://www.anthem.com/ca/recovery/
    • The portal includes the following digital tools:
      • C19 Explorer, which offers interactive dashboards regarding COVID-19 infection rate and community risk scores
      • C19 Navigator, which provides clinical insight and predictions on reopening workplaces
      • Sydney Care, which provides access to health information, telehealth services, and COVID-19 symptom checking tools
      • Safer Entry to Workplace (via Biometric Passport), which collects user health information to evaluate possible COVID-19 symptoms
      • Family Caregiver Support (via Ianacare), which allows members to coordinate practical help with everyday needs
      • Mental Health Resources (via PsychHub), a COVID-19 mental health resource hub
      • Social Care Network (via Aunt Bertha), which helps connect members to free and reduced-cost social services in their communities.

 

6/22/2020– No updates

 

UNITEDHEALTHCARE (UHC)

5/18/2020

  • To waive cost sharing for COVID-19 related costs, members are required to obtain a COVID diagnosis code or COVID-19 procedure code for all claims.
  • On May 7, 2020, UHC announced it will provide more than $1.5 billion in initial assistance to support people affected by COVID-19.
    • Credits will range from 5% to 20%, depending on the specific plan and will be applied to June premium billings for commercial fully insured individual and employer customers.
  • In response to the COVID-19 national emergency, if fully insured employers reduce employee hours, UHC has temporarily relaxed its requirement that employees be actively working to be eligible for coverage.
    • UHC will allow employers to cover their reduced hour employees, as long as they pay the monthly premiums. Additionally, the employee must have been eligible for, and enrolled in coverage before the absence/furlough.
    • Coverage will remain in force for no longer than 20 consecutive weeks for non-medical leaves (i.e., temporarily laid off) or no longer than 26 consecutive weeks for a medical leave.

 

5/26/2020– No Updates

 

6/1/2020

  • UHC has extended no cost sharing to members seeking COVID-19 related services through July 24, 2020.
    • This includes members receiving treatment under a COVID-19 admission or diagnosis code beginning February 4, 2020 for the following:
      • Office/telehealth visits
      • Urgent care/Emergency department visits
      • Observation stays
      • Inpatient hospital episodes
      • Acute inpatient rehabilitation
      • Long-term acute care
      • Skilled nursing facilities
    • Through June 18, 2020, UHC will continue to waive cost sharing for members seeking non COVID-19 related telehealth services with designated providers.

 

6/8/2020

  • To support members with behavioral health needs, UHC has enabled providers to use Apple FaceTime, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Skype to conduct telephone and video visits.
  • UHC has extended members free premium access to Sanvello Health, a leading provider of digital and telephonic mental health solutions, through June 30, 2020.
  • UHC introduced additional virtual visit options to assist members who believe they may have been infected by COVID-19.
    • Teladoc, Doctor on Demand, and AmWell offer national and international telehealth solutions.
  • Through June 15, 2020, UHC will continue their “refill-too-soon” policy, which allows members to obtain early prescription refills to ensure they have sufficient medication on hand.

 

6/15/2020– No Updates

 

6/22/2020

  • Through September 30, 2020, UHC will continue to waive cost sharing for members seeking COVID and non COVID-19 related telehealth visits, with in-network providers only. This includes Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy services.
    • Out-of-network visits will be paid based on the members benefit plan.
  • UHC provided a brochure highlighting a strategy of seven priorities for employers, as they plan the transition of operations back to worksites.
    • The brochure is designed to help employers make well-informed decisions and provide a safe and healthy return experience for employees.

 

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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.