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Vaccines | Testing and Treatment | Prescription Coverage | Mental Health Services | Telehealth
Your health is always our priority. Your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) health plan gives you access to the care you need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With a BCBSIL health plan, you have access to care for COVID-19 related health issues. Use the doctors, labs and facilities in your BCBSIL health plan’s provider network for:
Most changes will end with the end of the public health emergency. Some may end sooner, depending on your plan.View effective coverage dates.
With a BCBSIL health plan, you have access to COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to you. Talk with your doctor about when you should get vaccinated once available and discuss any questions you have about the vaccines.
While most plans cover COVID-19 vaccines at no cost, some self-funded groups do not cover preventive services, including COVID-19 vaccines. If you are unsure what your plan covers, contact your company’s benefits administrator or call BCBSIL Customer Service at the number listed on your member ID card.
If you think you may have the virus or have been exposed to someone who has it:
Some things to know about testing:
A note about antibody tests: Serology tests detect the presence of antibodies produced after exposure to the virus. While the tests are available, it remains uncertain whether antibodies will protect you against reinfection with COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend serology tests to determine when it is safe for a person to return to work or school.
Your doctor will help guide your care. If you test positive for COVID-19, follow up with your doctor’s office so they can plan next steps. If you start to feel worse, let your doctor know. Telehealth is a convenient way to get medical care without leaving home.
Your health plan also covers emergency and inpatient hospital care for COVID-19. Seek emergency medical care immediately if you have:
For those times when you can’t get in to see your doctor and it’s not an emergency, you can visit an in-network urgent care center. They offer primary care services and the wait time can be much shorter than an ER visit. And they can let you know if you need emergency care.
BCBSIL is waiving your share of the costs for COVID-19 testing and testing-related visits until the end of the Health and Human Services COVID-19 public health emergency order.
This means:
Many self-funded groups are also waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and treatment. Their dates for cost-sharing waivers may differ.
If you are unsure what your plan covers, contact your company’s benefits administrator or call BCBSIL Customer Service at the number listed on your member ID card.
Remember to use your BCBSIL member ID card for your doctor’s visit and testing to help with the reimbursement process.
It’s important that you have your medicine on hand at all times. Make sure you keep your refills current and reach out to your doctor before the last refill runs out. Your plan also may include the option to get up to a 3-month supply of certain drugs.
Many drug stores may offer delivery options. If part of your plan, you can also sign up online or call the number on your BCBSIL member ID card for mail-order delivery of 90-day supplies with AllianceRx Walgreens Prime2.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your options. Remember, your care is always between you and your doctor.
Coping with the stress and anxiety of COVID-19 can be overwhelming. Remember to take care of your mental health. Your health plan covers mental health services, including counseling.
Need to see a doctor? Depending on your health plan, you may be able to see a provider in your health plan’s network virtually.
Your telehealth benefits give you access to care while reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. And you won’t pay copays, deductibles or coinsurance on covered services when you use a provider in your health plan’s network.
Call your doctor’s office to learn more about its telehealth offerings.
Telehealth benefits may differ based on your plan. Call the Customer Service number listed on your BCBSIL member ID card if you have questions about your coverage.
Our Bilingual 24/7 Nurseline4 is also here to discuss any health concerns and can guide you if you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms. Nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Blue Cross Community Health PlansSM and Blue Cross Community MMAISM members
1To download the BCBSIL app, text BCBSILAPP to 33633 or search for BCBSIL in the Apple App Store or Google Play. Message and data rates may apply.
2Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) contracts with Prime Therapeutics® to provide pharmacy benefit management and related other services. BCBSIL, as well as several independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, has an ownership interest in Prime Therapeutics. MyPrime.com is an online resource offered by Prime Therapeutics.
3myStrength is an independent website for Behavioral Health sponsored by Livongo. You acknowledge that you are voluntarily accessing and using the resources found on the site and consent that Livongo may provide Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois with an aggregate number of individuals who accessed the website link.
4The 24/7 Bilingual Nurseline may not be available with all plans. Check your benefits booklet for details.