CORONAVIRUS RESOURCE CENTER
UNWAVERING SUPPORT IN UNPRECEDENTED TIMES
We're committed to keeping you informed as things change, and to providing the access to care that you need to stay healthy. Check back for updates.
Important updates:
COVID-19 Vaccination: Vaccines approved for emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are covered at no cost. Medicare Advantage and Medex®' members are covered when vaccines are administered by any provider who accepts Medicare. For more information see frequently asked questions.
COVID-19 Testing: COVID-19 testing is covered when ordered by a provider in accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. For more details see frequently asked questions.
FOR IMMEDIATE COVID-19 HELP
Vaccine News
The COVID-19 vaccine will be provided at no cost. The federal government has purchased millions of doses of vaccines and will provide vaccines for free. We'll cover any costs related to administration of vaccines, with no member cost share. Medicare Advantage and Medex members are covered with no cost share when vaccines are administered by any provider who accepts Medicare.
Johnson & Johnson vaccine receives authorization. This one-shot vaccine has shown to provide strong protection against severe disease and death from COVID-19, and may reduce the spread of the virus by vaccinated people.
The U.S vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe and effective as possible. To learn how government health experts ensure that vaccines are safe and effective visit the CDC.
As availability increases the distribution will expand to additional groups. We’ll be here to keep you updated as vaccines become more widely available.
For more information, see our frequently asked questions.
Where to get care
Here are the ways you can speak to a medical professional without leaving home.
Care Option | How can it help you? | Why members like it. | How to get started |
---|---|---|---|
24/7 Nurse Line |
Call a registered nurse any time via our 24/7 Nurse Line when you need an expert opinion on things like common injuries, deciding when and where to go for care, medications, and more. |
Available 24/7, 365 days a year Available by phone or email No-cost |
To talk to a nurse by phone: Call 1-888-247-BLUE (2583) To email a nurse: First create an account |
Remote Doctor and Therapy Visits |
Get medical or mental health care virtually by phone or video. Plus, we’ve expanded access to remote doctor visits for the duration of the Massachusetts public health emergency*. For Medicare HMO Blue and Medicare PPO Blue members: Effective January 1, 2021, Telehealth visits will include a member cost share as described in the Evidence of Coverage. |
Available by phone or video Co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles for in-network visits are waived for the duration of the Massachusetts Public Health Emergency. |
Call your primary doctor or mental health specialist to see if they offer remote visits. Need to find a doctor? Use our Find a Doctor tool to search for one in your network. |
Well Connection |
Get medical or mental health care virtually by video. |
Available by video (including smartphones) Covered by most plans* |
Sign up or sign in to make an appointment at wellconnection.com Many plans include Well Connection, but some, like Medicare, don't. Not sure? Call Team Blue at 1-800-262-BLUE (2583) |
*Benefits vary by plan.
Find a testing location
Please consult your doctor to determine if you should be tested according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. For information about coverage for COVID-19 testing, see our frequently asked questions.
COVID-19 helpline
For any questions or concerns related to COVID-19, call our dedicated member COVID-19 Helpline.
Keep up with your medical care
Get your flu shot
The CDC recommends the flu shot for just about everybody six months and older, but especially for those who are at high risk of developing serious complications if they get the flu.
Keep routine exams and preventive care appointments
Protect your family’s and your own health. Many routine exams, annual checkups, consultations about screenings, and children's checkups can be conducted by video or phone. Be sure to call your doctor’s office for a recommendation, or to reschedule your appointments if recommended by your doctor.
Don't delay care for chronic conditions
Care for many chronic conditions can be conducted via phone or video — including diabetes, COPD, asthma, heart, kidney, liver disease, hypertension, cancer, behavioral health conditions, and more. Call your doctor's office to reschedule any canceled appointments.
Yes, you should still get routine immunizations
Whether it’s protecting your child from measles, chicken pox, and HPV; or yourself from pneumonia, shingles, and tetanus; preventive vaccinations should continue. Ask your physician about how to receive one safely.
We’ve boosted your coverage in response to the coronavirus
We’re removing barriers to the medical, mental health, and dental care you need for the duration of the Massachusetts public health emergency. When it's over, you'll continue to have our full support.
How we’re helping
We’re covering the full cost of diagnostic tests for COVID-19, for all who meet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for testing.
Medicare members, please refer to Medicare coverage details below.
How we’re helping
For the duration of the Massachusetts health emergency, we’re removing copayments, co-insurance, or deductibles for all medically necessary COVID-19 related care received at:
- doctor’s offices
- urgent care centers
- emergency departments
This is in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines. Any medically necessary treatment for COVID-19 is covered under a member's health plan within the United States or internationally.
What should I do to activate this benefit?
Nothing. Until further notice, simply arrange for your care as always, and your claims will be processed to reflect these waived costs.
To access vital information and updates sign in to MyBlue or create an account.
Note: Self-insured accounts make their own plan cost-share decisions and may have chosen not to waive this inpatient cost-share. If you have any questions about your plan, call Member Service at the number on your ID card.
How we’re helping
For the duration of the Massachusetts health emergency, we’re also removing member cost-share (copayments, co-insurance, and deductibles) for COVID-19-related inpatient care at both in- and out-of-network acute care facilities for our fully insured members.
What should I do to activate this benefit?
Nothing. Until further notice, simply arrange for your care as always, and your claims will be processed to reflect this coverage.
To access vital information and updates sign in to MyBlue or create an account.
Note: Self-insured accounts make their own plan cost-share decisions and may have chosen not to waive this inpatient cost-share. If you have any questions about your plan, call Member Service at the number on your ID card.
How we’re helping
For the duration of the Massachusetts health emergency, we’ve waived member cost-share* (copayments, co-insurance and deductibles) for all covered medically necessary medical and mental health services, via phone or video (telehealth) with in-network providers, if such services are offered.
All members can talk to a licensed doctor or provider from the comfort and safety of home, limiting the potential exposure to, and spread of, the virus.
In accordance with state guidance, these phone/telehealth visits will be reimbursed at the same rate as face-to-face care for participating providers, for both medical and mental health care, as long as they meet clinical standards.
What should I do to activate this benefit?
Until further notice, call your provider for remote, video doctor visits by phone or video, and your claims will be processed to reflect these waived costs.* Members with our telehealth benefit are encouraged to use our Well Connection platform.
For Medicare HMO Blue and Medicare PPO Blue members:
Effective January 1, 2021, telehealth visits will include a member cost-share as described in the Evidence of Coverage.
*Benefits may vary by plan.
How we’re helping
For the duration of the Massachusetts health emergency, here’s how we’re enhancing Medicare benefits.
Testing for COVID-19 is covered
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers testing for COVID-19, with no cost-share when your doctor or other health care provider orders it, if you were tested on or after Feb. 4, 2020. Clinicians will need to wait until after April 1, 2020, to submit a claim to Medicare for this test.
COVID-19 out-of-pocket costs are waived
For members in our Medicare Advantage HMO Blue and PPO Blue, Managed Blue for Seniors, and Medex plans, we’ve waived the cost-share related to medically necessary coronavirus testing, counseling, vaccinations, and treatment at doctor’s offices, ERs, and urgent care centers, in accordance with CDC and Massachusetts DPH guidelines.
What should I do to activate these benefits?
Nothing. Until further notice, simply arrange for your care as usual, and your claims will be processed to reflect this coverage.
How we’re helping
For the duration of the Massachusetts health emergency, we’re improving medication access by allowing early prescription refills and lifting limits on refills of prescription medications. This means members can get one additional fill of their existing prescription. We're also working to ensure formulary flexibility if there are shortages or access issues.
What should I do to activate this benefit?
Nothing. The permissions are already in effect. Simply ask for your additional fill when placing your order.
You should also consider out mail order delivery option for your maintenance prescriptions. It’ll be one less trip that you need to take. Visit the Express Scripts®' Pharmacy, our third-party partner, or call 1-800-892-5119.
How we’re helping
For the duration of the Massachusetts health emergency, we’ll cover virtual consultations, by phone or video, between Dental Blue® members and their participating dental providers with no member cost-share (copayment, co-insurance, deductible, up to the member's existing annual dollar maximum). These additional virtual dental exams are available to all members who already have coverage for this service in a dental office setting.
We’ve also enhanced routine care benefits so members can now get fully covered, routine dental checkups twice a year, without having to wait 6 months between them.
What should I do to activate this benefit?
Nothing. These additional virtual dental exams are available to all members who already have coverage for this service in a dental office setting.
Get the Toothpic®' Teledentistry App
Get oral care recommendations from a licensed dentist. For a limited time, we’re offering Dental Blue members access to the Toothpic teledentistry app, at no cost. Download the app, submit a picture of your teeth and gums, then get a comprehensive report in as little as six hours, including oral care recommendations, from a licensed dentist. Learn more.
How we’re helping
We’ve removed any administrative barriers, such as prior authorizations and referrals, for medically appropriate care for COVID-19. We still require providers to notify us when a member is admitted to the hospital.
What should I do to activate this benefit?
Simply make arrangements for care as usual, now with faster access.
The CARES Act passed by Congress includes a provision that allows members to use financial account funds to pay for over-the-counter (OTC) medications, without a prescription, as well as menstrual care products.
- OTC medications include pain relievers, cough syrup, allergy medications.
- Menstrual care products include tampons, pads, cups, sponges, and similar products
- Claims must be for purchases made on or after January 1, 2020
- Merchants and financial account administrators are working to get these provisions in place
- In the meantime, members can manually submit claims to their financial account administrator for reimbursement
*Important note: Plans vary by employer, and these changes don't necessarily change the benefits available under an employer's plan. Members should review plan documents carefully or consult their employers for information about their companies’ benefits.
FEELING ANXIETY? FEEL SUPPORTED, TOO
We’ve waived member copays, co-insurance, and deductibles for all covered mental health services by video or phone with in-network providers, for the duration of the Massachusetts public health emergency.* Talk to your provider's office about their phone or video options.
We’ve also put together a list of public COVID-19 behavioral and mental health resources. For additional resources, such as how to find a licensed psychotherapist, self-guided programs, substance use support, and much more visit our Mental Health Resource Center:
* Benefits may vary by plan.
For Medicare HMO Blue and Medicare PPO Blue members: Effective January 1, 2021, telehealth visits will include a member cost-share as described in the Evidence of Coverage.
What people are asking
Information, clarity, and answers.
Vaccines work by simulating a virus, which trains your body’s immune system to attack and eliminate the virus before it can make you sick.
Three vaccines, one made by Pfizer/BioNTech, another by Cambridge-based Moderna and a third by Johnson & Johnson, have received emergency use authorization (EAU) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are being administered to people across the country.
An EUA provides quicker access to critical medical products —like medicines and tests— when there are no other adequate, approved, and available options.
While the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two separate doses that are given three to four weeks apart, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose. All three vaccines have shown strong protection against severe disease and death from COVID-19, and may reduce the spread of the virus by vaccinated people. For the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine you need both doses for the vaccine to be fully effective.
There is no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine. The federal government has purchased millions of doses of the vaccine and will provide it for free. Any costs related to administration of the vaccine will be covered by us, with no member cost share.
While vaccines are being distributed now in most states for those deemed high risk for complications from COVID-19, vaccines should be widely available to the public in the late spring/early summer of 2021.
For vaccine distribution plans in Massachusetts, visit mass.gov. For our out-of-state members, please visit your state's health department website.
The vaccines authorized for use have undergone rigorous clinical trials in which tens of thousands of volunteers received a vaccine with no serious side effects. These vaccines have also undergone the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA's) emergency use authorization (EUA) process. An EUA provides quicker access to critical medical products—like medicines and tests—when there are no other adequate, approved, and available options. In granting an EUA, the FDA balances the known risks of the product with the known benefits. You can learn more about EUA in this FDA video.
In Massachusetts, infectious disease specialists also review the EUA data, and provide an independent opinion about vaccine safety and efficacy.
Data from the clinical trials show that the vaccines provide strong protection against severe disease and death from COVID-19, and may reduce the spread of the virus by vaccinated people. Researchers will continue to monitor safety as these vaccines are administered
Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that two doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are required to create the most effective immune response.
You won't get COVID-19 from the vaccine.
As is common with many vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccines can cause short-term side effects, which are signs that your immune system is developing the response, or antibodies, to fight the virus. Side effects may include aches, fatigue, or even a fever for a day or two after receiving a dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Both the Pfizer/BioTech and Moderna vaccines require two doses to be fully effective so don’t let side effects keep you from getting the vaccine. There have been rare instances of people having an allergic reaction after being vaccinated.
If you're concerned about side effects, talk to your health care provider.
When it's your turn to get vaccinated, you'll need to make an appointment, to confirm your vaccine eligibility and to maintain capacity limits at the vaccination site.
To find a public vaccination site in Massachusetts and schedule your appointment, visit vaxfinder.mass.gov. Before you schedule your vaccination, check your eligibility to get the vaccination as outlined by the state’s phased vaccination plan at the Massachusetts Department of Health website. Or, if you live outside of Massachusetts, check your state's health department website. If you're 75+ and living in Massachusetts, you can also call 211 for help scheduling an appointment.
There is incredible demand for vaccines. The appointment website is extremely busy and may at times be unavailable. We recommend you be patient and visit the site often.
Studies show the vaccines are effective against newer strains of the virus. In some instances, a booster shot might be needed.
Information about new strains of the virus, including those identified in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Brazil is rapidly emerging and scientists are working to learn more.
Vaccines are usually tested on adults first and if found to be safe, then clinical trials involving children begin. The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for those as young as 16. Moderna's vaccine Is authorized for people 18 and older.
Clinical trials are currently underway for children as young as 12, the results of which will be reviewed by the FDA.
These vaccines have not been well researched among women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Studies are underway.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you should discuss vaccination with your health care provider. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that pregnant women are at higher risk of severe illness if infected with the coronavirus.
If you're not feeling well, please call your doctor and discuss your symptoms. You may be asked about your travel history and about those with whom you've been in close contact.
According to medical experts, symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are similar to the flu or other respiratory diseases.
To help you make decisions and seek medical care if necessary, use this symptom checker tool.
You should check with your doctor's office. Be prepared to share with them where you have traveled and with whom you've been in close contact.
When it if your turn, get vaccinated. Your loved ones need you. Get the COVID-19 vaccine to make sure you can be there for them. You should follow the guidance of your doctor, the governor, and federal and state health experts: avoid large gatherings, work from home if your business allows it, and practice social distancing – keeping six feet away from people you don’t know. Avoid travel. This will help slow the spread of the disease.
For the latest information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, click here.
Our doctors and most clinicians recommend that everyone should take basic precautions to avoid infection with any virus:
- Wear a mask or face covering in public
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes
- Disinfect commonly touched services
Please talk to your doctor. You doctor will determine if you should be tested in accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization all provide regular updates on their websites:
In addition to our Coronavirus Resource Center, we’re providing information on our health news site, Coverage.bluecrossma.com.
Our HMO, POS, PPO, and Indemnity plans cover both viral (also known as antigen) and antibody (also known as serologic) tests, when ordered by a health care provider who is making an individualized clinical assessment of the patient in according to current standards of medical practice, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines.
Medicare plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts follows Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)-mandated requirements, as well as state-mandated requirements related to coverage of SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) testing, for our Medicare HMO and Medicare PPO members.
Blue Cross will cover viral and antibody Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- approved tests when ordered by any health care professional authorized under state law for the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection.
In keeping with CMS guidance issued September 2, 2020, and for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, Blue Cross will cover, without a health care professional’s order, the cost of one diagnostic test for COVID-19 and one diagnostic test each for influenza virus or similar respiratory condition for Medicare members, when performed in conjunction with a COVID-19 test and needed to obtain a final COVID-19 diagnosis. Subsequent tests will require the order of an authorized health care professional.
Note regarding Medex plans: Because Medicare provides primary coverage for Medex®' members, standard Medicare rules as outlined above apply for one-time coverage of tests without a health care professional’s order.
Your health plan covers both viral (also known as antigen) and antibody (also known as serologic) tests, when ordered by a health care provider who is making a medically necessary clinical assessment of the individual patient, following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines.
Please note that CDC guidelines regarding antibody tests indicate that this type of test shouldn't be used to:
- Determine if someone can return to work;
- Group people together in settings such as schools, dormitories, and correctional facilities;
- Determine the immune status in individuals, since medical experts aren't sure that the presence of antibodies creates immunity or how long any potential immunity may last.
Talk to your doctor about the best location for you to get tested. Blue Cross will cover tests when conducted at, but not limited to, the following sites:
- Drive-through testing sites
- Emergency rooms
- Medical provider offices
- The patient’s home (using a testing kit—a patient self-swab)
Remember that the test must be ordered by a health care provider, who is making an individualized clinical assessment of the patient according to current standards of medical practice, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines. The test must be Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved, or must have received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA; or the manufacturer (maker) intends to request Emergency Use Authorization.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has created an interactive map of testing sites on its COVID-19 resource web page. Please visit Mass.gov.
Your health plan covers medically necessary services to diagnose or treat illness.
Blue Cross does not cover routine screenings to determine an individual’s fitness to return to work; for purposes of travel; to attend school, daycare, or camp or for public health surveillance purposes.
Your health plan covers medically necessary services to diagnose or treat illness.
Blue Cross does not cover tests related to travel, including the governor of Massachusetts's recent guidance related to travel.
Testing is covered when ordered by a health care professional. Some examples of when testing may be ordered by a provider include, but are not limited to:
- When a person has symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, no sense of smell, and gastrointestinal distress
- If a person has had direct exposure to another individual with a confirmed case of COVID-19
- Those people who have been identified by contact tracing as being at risk of exposure
- Symptomatic or asymptomatic patients who require testing prior to a medical procedure or surgery
- People who are admitted to a health care facility, including but not limited to a hospital operated or licensed by the Department of Public Health or Mental Health, a long-term acute care hospital, or a skilled nursing facility
For Medicare members, in keeping with CMS guidance issued September 2, 2020, and for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, Blue Cross will cover, without a health care professional’s order, the cost of one diagnostic test for COVID-19 and one diagnostic test each for influenza virus or similar respiratory condition for Medicare members when performed in conjunction with a COVID-19 test and needed to obtain a final COVID-19 diagnosis. Subsequent tests will require the order of an authorized health care professional.
Your health plan does not cover tests:
- Requested for general screening purposes such as return to work; clearance to travel; or attend school, day care, or camp; or for public health or surveillance purposes
- Used as routine screenings for such individuals as people who live or work in residential facilities such as skilled nursing homes
- That have been denied FDA approval, or tests that don't have Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA, or tests whose developers haven't requested Emergency Use Authorization within a reasonable time frame
- Antibody tests are not covered for screening purposes, such as eligibility to donate plasma
Your health plan will cover COVID-19 tests for each individual, when ordered by a health care provider who is making an individualized clinical assessment of the patient according to current standards of medical practice, including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) guidelines.
Effective March 16, 2020, and for the duration of the Massachusetts state of emergency, you may receive all medically necessary covered services from an in-network provider via telehealth or by telephone.*
We're waiving all member cost share (copayments, co-insurance, or deductibles) for members who receive care via, phone, video, or telehealth in place of an office visit, for COVID-19– and non-COVID-19–related services received from an in-network provider.*
You're temporarily eligible to receive services by telephone or other chat application if available from your provider.
Well Connection Telehealth Visits
Many members may also have an existing telehealth benefit included as part of the Blue Cross health plan. For members with this telehealth benefit, we're waiving cost-sharing for telehealth visits conducted through Well Connection. To find out if you're covered, call Member Service at 1-800-262-BLUE (2583), or sign in to MyBlue and click Review My Benefits. Be sure to include your insurance information when registering for Well Connection.
For Federal Employee Program (FEP) members:
Effective March 10, 2020, we’ve removed the member cost-share for all telehealth services (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related) received through the Teladoc network. Members can register for Teladoc by visiting fepblue.org/coronavirus. For other providers offering telehealth services not on Teladoc, the applicable office visit cost share will apply (unless COVID-19 related).
Our 24/7 Nurse Line also is available at no cost to FEP members, and offers a safe and convenient clinical resource for minor ailments or questions. Call the 24/7 Nurse Line at 1-888-258-3432 or learn more.”
For Medicare HMO Blue and Medicare PPO Blue members:
Effective January 1, 2021, Telehealth visits will include a member cost share as described in the Evidence of Coverage.
*Benefits may vary by plan.
Effective March 10, 2020, we’ve removed the member cost share for all telehealth services (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related) received through the Teladoc network. Members can register for Teladoc by visiting fepblue.org/coronavirus. For other providers offering telehealth services not on Teladoc, the applicable office visit cost share will apply (unless COVID-19 related).
Our 24/7 Nurse Line also is available at no cost to all members and offers a safe and convenient clinical resource for minor ailments or questions. The number for the Nurse Line is 1-888-247-2583.
If you're eligible, coverage for yourself and your dependents can be purchased directly from Blue Cross or any other health insurer, or through the Massachusetts Health Connector.
If you're interested in a Blue Cross plan, or to find out if you're eligible, please visit www.getbluema.com or call 1-800-422-3545.
If you have coverage through Dental Blue®, and until further notice, you can receive care from your dentist via telephone or video if your dentist offers virtual services. There will be no member cost-share up to the member's existing annual dollar maximum. Services provided by non-participating dentists could be subject to balance billing.
Our members are covered for emergency medical care while traveling internationally. If someone were to be hospitalized while traveling, costs would be covered according to the terms of your plan.
You can purchase additional health insurance designed for travelers from any number of companies. Blue Cross offers health insurance for travelers that provides extended coverage, called GeoBlue®. You can learn more at https://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com/bcbsma or by calling 1-855-481-6647.
Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield has temporarily lifted limits on early refills of prescription medications, allowing members to obtain one additional fill of their existing prescription.
Please note: the prescribing physician or pharmacy filling the prescription may decide to continue to impose limits at their discretion.
Certain medications, such as opioids and medications with quality care dosing limits, are excluded.
Members can get a two-month supply of a medication for two copayments at the retail pharmacy of their choice, as benefits allow. Additionally, members can use the Express Scripts®' (ESI) mail order pharmacy to get three-month supplies of medications.
Members enrolled in Smart90®'are eligible for 90-day supplies at retail pharmacies for certain maintenance medications.
We won't allow for greater than a 90-day supply, to avoid stockpiling or potential shortages.
Members being told Blue Cross isn't allowing early refills can call Member Service at the number on their member ID card, for help while at the pharmacy.
We're working with our pharmacy network to make sure the pharmacies understand this change.
The pharmacist can also call the Express Scripts Pharmacy Help Desk at 1-800-922-1557.
Please remember: pharmacies and the provider who wrote the prescription can maintain these limits at their discretion.
Our members are covered for emergency medical care while traveling internationally. If someone were to be hospitalized while traveling, costs would be covered according to the terms of your plan.
You can purchase additional health insurance designed for travelers from any number of companies. Blue Cross offers health insurance for travelers that provides extended coverage, called GeoBlue®. You can learn more at https://www.geobluetravelinsurance.com/bcbsma or by calling 1-855-481-6647.
You should follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control or the U.S. State Department concerning personal travel outside of the United States.
The State Department provides guidance on travel at travel.state.gov and has advised U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel, and that U.S. citizens traveling abroad should return to the United States.
The CDC website provides regular updates and a global risk assessment of the virus.
Government officials haven't issued any guidance about domestic travel.
Our standard plans provide only for urgent or emergency care for people traveling overseas. However, given the public health emergency, we'll cover the cost of vaccination of our members living and working overseas. The vaccine must be FDA authorized or FDA approved.
The member may need to pay for these services and then file for reimbursement.
Members who have enrolled in our Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Expat plan are covered.
Our standard student plans only cover health care services provided to members while studying in the United States. However, given the public health emergency, we'll cover the cost of vaccination of members receiving the vaccine in their home country. The vaccine must be FDA authorized or FDA approved.
The member may need to pay for these services and then file for reimbursement.
For the duration of the Massachusetts state of emergency:
We will waive all member cost share for medically necessary COVID-19 testing, counseling, vaccines (when available), and treatment and supportive care at in-person doctor's offices, urgent care centers and emergency departments (excluding inpatient care) in accordance with CDC and DPH guidelines.
Any medically necessary treatment for coronavirus is covered under a member's health plan within the United States or internationally.
Blue Cross also has waived cost share for all covered services (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 related) delivered by an in-network provider via telehealth or telephone (both medical and behavioral) services, not just those related to COVID-19. This is effective as of March 16, 2020.
We will also cover the cost of vaccination when a COVID-19 vaccine is available.
Members with a COVID-19 diagnosis who receive medically necessary out-of-network care in a doctor’s office, urgent care center, or emergency department will be covered as in-network, cost shares would be waived, and the member would be protected against balance billing. The cost share protections do not extend to in-patient care.
Please understand that your health care provider may perform additional tests and procedures during the same visit in which they test for COVID-19. Copay, co-insurance and deductible may apply for those other tests and services.
For Medicare HMO Blue and Medicare PPO Blue members:
Effective January 1, 2021, Telehealth visits will include a member cost share as described in the Evidence of Coverage.
You doctor will determine if you should be tested in accordance with Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.
No, opt outs are not allowed. This is consistent with state and federal guidance (including specific Division of Insurance guidance) aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus by allowing remote health care access.
Yes, accounts can add telehealth services via our provider, Well Connection off cycle. The cost is 50-cents per employee per month.
It may take several weeks to add this benefit.
Please contact your account executive for details.
No, accounts are still responsible for the paying for telehealth services. The cost is 50-cents per employee per month.
Our company is considered an essential business and is prepared to continue to operate during this outbreak in Massachusetts. We have stress-tested disaster readiness and pandemic plans in place. We have convened a cross-functional group of leaders and associates who are evolving our plans to meet the needs of this event. Strategic elements of our plan include:
- The ability operate our business when are buildings are closed. More than 90% of our associates are equipped to work remotely.
- Our Virtual Private Network is redundant and is built to meet the demands placed on it should all associates wind up working remotely
- Our company is financially stable and has a healthy reserve fund, should we need it, to finance our operations.
If you have additional questions about our preparations, please speak to your account executive.
Yes, we expect to cover all claims for medically necessary covered services provided to members we insure.
Accounts that self-insure remain responsible for covered health care costs incurred by their employees.
Our message to our associates is based on the latest information from the CDC, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and state government.
With the rise in cases in Massachusetts and the Governor’s declaration of a state of emergency, the majority of our associates are working from home to ensure their health and wellbeing and to support of public health efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
We urge associate to practice social distancing and basic hygiene that helps prevent the spread of viruses:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
- Don’t touch your mouth nose or eyes
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or crook of your arm when you sneeze or cough
- Stay home when you are sick
We share the latest information with our associates as appropriate through a variety of channels including email, intranet and our public news site Coverage
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization are all providing regular updates on their websites:
- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
- https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-health
- https://www.who.int/
In addition to our coronavirus resource center we’re also providing information on our health news site, Coverage
Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield has temporarily lifted limits on early refills of prescription medications allowing members to obtain one additional fill of their existing prescription.
Please note: the prescribing physician or pharmacy filling the prescription may decide to continue to impose limits at their discretion.
Certain medications, such as opioids and medications with quality care dosing limits, are excluded.
Members can get two-month supply of a medication for two copays at the retail pharmacy of their choice, as benefits allow. Additionally, members can use the ESI mail order to get three month supplies of medications.
If a member is enrolled in Smart90, they are eligible for 90-day supplies at retail for certain maintenance medications.
We will not allow for greater than a 90-day supply to avoid stockpiling or potential shortages.
We understand some pharmacies may not understand Blue Cross has lifted restrictions on early refills.
We are working with our pharmacy benefits manager to resolve this issue
If your employees are being told Blue Cross is denying refills the employee can call our member service line for assistance while in the pharmacy.
Please remember, prescribers and pharmacies can maintain these limits at their discretion.
No, we can’t allow accounts to opt out of this program. This is in keeping with state guidance during this state of emergency and is our standard process anytime there is a disaster such as tornado, hurricane, or other emergency.
We are in close contact with our pharmacy benefit manager, Express Script and our specialty pharmacy network. There is no supply issue at this time. In collaboration with our pharmacy partners we will continue to monitor the supply of medications and will be flexible in allowing alternative medications should a there be a shortage of medications in our formulary.
We have created the COVID-19 Information Center for our Clinical Partners. It is continually updated with the latest key information our health care partners need regarding our approach to telehealth and telephonic care, COVID-19 testing and treatment, referrals and authorizations, cost share, prescription medications, dental care, and more. This page is available at Provider Central. No login is required.
There are no prior authorizations and referrals required for members receiving medically necessary care for COVID-19. To help us expedite all COVID-19 cases, we’ve asked providers to please continue to notify us of all inpatient admissions. No supporting clinical information and no medical necessity reviews will be required.
Detailed information on billing and codes, as well as updates to our policies are available on Provider Central. We also posted specific articles for medical and dental providers on March 24.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued an interim set of coding guidelines available here.
Blue Cross is financially stable. We maintain a reserve fund that, if needed, will fund our operations.
We are following guidance from the state, which has declared a state of emergency and taken a number of steps to slow the spread of the virus.
Regularly updated information is available on this site and on our health news site, Coverage.
Our message to our associates is based on the latest information from the CDC, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and state government.
With the rise in cases in Massachusetts and the Governor’s declaration of a state of emergency, the majority of our associates work from home to ensure their health and wellbeing and to support of public health efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
We urge associate to practice social distancing and basic hygiene that helps prevent the spread of viruses:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
- Don’t touch your mouth nose or eyes
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or crook of your arm when you sneeze or cough
- Stay home when you are sick
We share the latest information with our associates as appropriate through a variety of channels including email, intranet and our public news site Coverage.
For the duration of the Massachusetts state of emergency and effective for dates of service retroactive to March 16, 2020, in-network providers may deliver all medically necessary covered services (COVID-19 AND non-COVID-19 related) via any modality. This includes telehealth, telephonic, video chat or in-person to all Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts members including members in our Medicare Advantage, Managed Blue for Seniors and Medex plans.
Starting immediately, Blue Cross will cover visits by telephone (“telephonic visits”). Providers may offer telehealth services as long as they are contracted and credentialed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. There are no additional credentialing or contracting processes providers need to follow to offer these services.
We will reimburse medically necessary telehealth and telephonic visits at the same rate as an in-person visit, for all provider specialties, including ancillary.
Removing all member cost share (copayments, co-insurance, and deductibles) for a medically necessary telephone (telephonic) call visit in place of an office visit, and a virtual/video appointment (telehealth) services for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19-related services.
For Federal Employee Program (FEP) members:
Effective March 10, 2020, we’ve removed the member cost share for all telehealth services (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19-related) received through the Teladoc network. Members can register for Teladoc by visiting fepblue.org/coronavirus. For other providers offering telehealth services not on Teladoc, the applicable office visit cost share will apply (unless COVID-19 related).
Please visit Provider Central for the latest information on coding and billing. We have created a COVID-19 Information Center for our Clinical Partners on Provider Central.
For Medicare HMO Blue and Medicare PPO Blue members:
Effective January 1, 2021, Telehealth visits will include a member cost share as described in the Evidence of Coverage.
MORE RESOURCES AND ANSWERS
Here are additional resources we can all use, for ourselves and for the greater good.
COVID-19 Symptom Checker
This easy guide will help you make decisions and seek medical care, if necessary.
Centers for Disease Control
Get the latest updates on the virus and what you can do to minimize exposure and spread.
MA Department of Public Health
See how Massachusetts is coordinating response, and how we can all do our part.
COVID-19 Health Literacy Project
Find COVID-19 information in 30+ languages, created in partnership with Harvard Health Publishing.
GOOD TO KNOW: THE LATEST ON THE PANDEMIC
Check out our recent articles about trending COVID-19 topics:
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Free covid-19 tests in massachusetts
Tips to prevent covid-19 scams
Coping with seasonal affective disorder
Let’s stick with it, and stick together.
KEEP IT CLEAN
- Practice good hygiene and wash your hands with soap and water
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
- Sanitize frequently touched objects regularly
- Avoid touching your mouth nose and eyes
KEEP BACK
- Limit exposure in public: Keep six feet away from others
- Wear a mask in all public places
STAY HOME
- If you’re sick, stay in and limit contact with housemates
- Contact your doctor if symptoms worsen
- In an emergency, call 911
STAY STRONG
By following these tips, you are:
- Protecting the vulnerable
- Shielding your loved ones
- Supporting frontline workers
- Contributing to your community