What you need to know about COVID-19

The COVID-19 vaccine gives you the best chance of protecting yourself and your loved ones from getting COVID-19 in the future. Talk to your healthcare provider about the vaccine.

Check with your doctor and ask if you can make an appointment with them or at your local pharmacy. Or, find out where to get your vaccine at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines or vaccinefinder.org.

CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older, if eligible.

• Fever
• Headaches
• Body aches

This is your body reacting to the vaccine. It is a normal response. It is important to know that it is impossible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The vaccines currently in use and others being developed do not contain a live virus. 

No. The COVID-19 vaccine will be at no cost to you. You do not need to get a prior authorization for your vaccine.

According to the CDC, people who are pregnant may choose to be vaccinated. If you have questions about getting the vaccine, it is recommended to discuss with your doctor to make an informed decision.

A small percentage of people who are fully vaccinated will still get COVID-19 if they are exposed to the virus that causes it. These are called “vaccine breakthrough cases.” This means that while people who have been vaccinated are much less likely to get sick, it will still happen in some cases. It’s also possible that some fully vaccinated people might have infections, but not have symptoms (asymptomatic infections). Experts continue to study how common these cases are.

If you get COVID-19 after vaccination, your symptoms might be less severe.

Fully vaccinated people are much less likely to be hospitalized or die than people with similar risk factors who are not vaccinated.

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease and a type of virus called a coronavirus.

• Mild to severe respiratory symptoms
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Lower respiratory illness

COVID-19 can be contagious before a person begins showing symptoms.

Contact your provider if you develop a fever, have a cough, or have difficulty breathing. Let your provider know if you’ve been in close contact with a person known to have Coronavirus.

• If you think you have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, call your provider’s office for guidance on next steps.

• Call ahead before going in person to any doctor’s office.

• Don’t go to your local emergency room for COVID-19 testing. The ER is only for those who need the most critical care.

We all have a role to play in protecting our communities and families from the spread of Coronavirus. It is similar to other communicable viruses. You can also follow these tips to prevent infection:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, you should wear a facemask when around other people.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizing rub (must contain at least 60 percent alcohol).
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze by coughing/sneezing into your elbow.
• Wear a face covering/mask when in public and/or around others who do not live in your home if you are not fully vaccinated
• Clean public surfaces thoroughly.
• Avoid shaking hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Medically necessary COVID-19 diagnostic testing, medical screening services and/or treatment and the associated physician’s visit will be covered when ordered, referred and/or performed in the following In-Network locations:

• Physician’s/Practitioner’s Office
• Independent Laboratory/Diagnostic Facility   
• Urgent Care Facility
• Emergency Department Facility

Depending on your plan, you may be responsible for your copayment, coinsurance, and/or deductible.

We will cover medically necessary COVID-19 diagnostic testing and medical screening services, when such services are ordered and/or referred by a licensed in-network health care provider. Depending on your plan, you may be responsible for your copayment, coinsurance, and/or deductible.

Any medically necessary treatment related to COVID-19 would be considered a covered benefit.  We are committed to ensuring access to COVID-19 treatment services in accordance with federal and state law.

Depending on your plan, you may be responsible for your copayment, coinsurance, and/or deductible.

Yes. When medically necessary diagnostic testing, medical screening services and/or treatment is ordered and/or referred by a licensed health care provider, we will cover the cost of medically necessary COVID-19 tests, and screenings.

Depending on your plan, you may be responsible for your copayment, coinsurance, and/or deductible.