BCBST News Center, Dr. Andrea Willis, March 5, 2020
Update, March 9:
Four COVID-19 diagnoses have now been confirmed in the state of Tennessee. Cases in Shelby County (Memphis area) and in Davidson County (Nashville area) were confirmed this weekend, and another in Middle Tennessee on Monday.
BlueCross will cover vaccines developed and approved to treat COVID-19 when available. Member cost-sharing may apply based on benefit plan.
For the latest updates, visit the Tennessee Department of Health’s website.
Update, March 6:
If you’re a BlueCross member in insured group, individual, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans, you can be tested at no cost to you if your provider approves FDA-approved COVID-19 testing. Employers who offer self-funded plans have the option to include COVID-19 testing as a preventive benefit without cost-sharing for their employees.
If you show symptoms of COVID-19, remember to contact your provider first before visiting their office or an emergency room to lower the risk of infecting others.
Original story, March 5:
Plan members have access to the care they need
It’s been more than a month since coronavirus – known as COVID-19 – was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization, and the number of reported cases continues to rise globally and around the United States.
Tennessee now has its first confirmed case of COVID-19, and BlueCross wants its members to know we’re here with answers and support. We’re actively working to ensure our health plan members have access to the best COVID-19 care possible.
“Our first priority is the health of our members and the communities we serve,” says Andrea Willis, M.D., Chief Medical Officer. “We’re working to remove any barriers to appropriate testing for COVID-19. We want our members to get in touch with their doctor or PhysicianNow, our telehealth service, if they feel unwell, so they can be appropriately referred for lab tests rather than to self-refer.”
- Click here for the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Read more on the State of Tennessee’s response to the disease.
- Call the Tennessee Coronavirus Public Information Line at 1-877-857-2945.
To read the full article, please click here.