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1. What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is short for coronavirus disease 2019. A coronavirus is a category of virus that has been around for decades. COVID-19 is very serious because:
2. What are some of the symptoms of COVID-19?
Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Symptoms Self-Checker to learn more.
3. Am I at risk of catching COVID-19?
Since COVID-19 is a new virus with no vaccine, no one is immune to it.
Still, certain people have a higher risk of getting it:
Some people are at high risk of getting very ill and dying from COVID-19. They include:
4. What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?
If you have any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately:
5. Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
Call your doctor. Your doctor will decide if you need to be tested and can help you find an in-network testing lab.
To find an in-network doctor, log in to Blue Access for MembersSM or call BCBSIL Customer Service at the number listed on your member ID card.
6. Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Federal and state health officials are working with the medical community on the rollout plan for the COVID-19 vaccine. Talk with your health care provider about when you should take the vaccine once available and any questions you have about the vaccine.
7. Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Like the flu and other viruses, you risk spreading it to other people if you don’t get a vaccine. Some people who are COVID-19 positive may not have any symptoms, or different symptoms than the most common ones. Getting the vaccine ensures the widest protection to the greatest number of people. You should ask your doctor any questions you have about the vaccine.
8. What will BCBSIL cover for COVID-19?
Coverage will vary based on your plan, and coverage related to COVID-19 can change at any time. Go to What’s Covered for the most up-to-date information.
9. What can I do to stay healthy and keep others from getting COVID-19?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there is no vaccine at this time to prevent COVID-19. The best way to stop the virus is to not get exposed to it. But, keep in mind, the CDC always suggests these everyday good habits to help stop the spread of breathing illnesses:
10. Where can I go for more details about COVID-19?
You can find a wealth of information on our COVID-19 site. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers up-to-date information about COVID-19.
11. Can I pay for my premium with a credit card?
Yes. At this time, you can make a one-time payment through Blue Access for MembersSM or over the phone.
12. What do I do if BCBSIL denied my claim?
If you have had a claim for COVID-19 treatment denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. There is a process in place to ask that the claim be reviewed.
Due to the pandemic some plans have appeal deadlines that have been extended 60 days after the national emergency ends.
Call Customer Service to see if your plan qualifies for an extension and the steps to appeal.