Frequently Asked Questions

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:

• It spreads easily and quickly from person to person, by air droplets or by touch.
• It is novel, or new, meaning there is no proven treatment or cure.
• It often causes severe respiratory problems that require hospital care. 

2. What are some of the symptoms of COVID-19?

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste of smell

Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Symptoms Self-Checker to learn more.

3. Am I at risk of catching COVID-19?
No one is immune to COVID-19. Still, certain people have a higher risk of getting it:

• Health care workers
• Front-line workers like waiters, attendants, cashiers
• People who live and work in crowded areas
• Those who primarily use public transportation

Some people are at high risk of getting very ill and dying from COVID-19. They include:

• The elderly
• People with lung problems
• Those with heart problems
• Adults with diabetes
• People who are obese 
• Those with multiple chronic health problems

4. What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

• If you feel sick, call your primary care doctor. If you don’t have a doctor, we can help you find one. Use our Provider Finder^® or call us at the Customer Service number listed on your member ID card.
• Before you go to a doctor's office or emergency room, call first and tell them about your symptoms.

If you have any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability or difficulty waking or staying awake
• Bluish lips or face

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 Members^SM or call BCBSIL Customer Service at the number listed on your member ID card.

6. How can I get the COVID-19 vaccines?
Depending on your preference, there are some good online and offline options available for scheduling your vaccine. Visit the State of Illinois Vaccine Locator or call the Vaccine Appointment Call Center at 833-621-1284. The call center is open seven days a week from 6 a.m. to midnight. 

You can also call your primary care doctor for more information or check the CDC Vaccine Site Locator.

7. Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccines?
Like the flu and other viruses, you risk spreading it to other people if you don’t get vaccinated. Some people who are COVID-19 positive may not have any symptoms, or different symptoms than the most common ones. Getting the vaccines ensures the widest protection to the greatest number of people. You should ask your doctor any questions you have about the vaccines.

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?
The best way to stop COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and 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:

• Follow the CDC's recommendations for using a face covering.
• Don't go near people who are sick.
• Don't touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you're sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect often-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

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 Members^SM 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.