Fidelis Care Coronavirus (Covid-19) Update
What you need to know about COVID-19
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new disease that causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person to person. People of all ages can be infected. Older adults and people with pre-existing medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease may be more likely to become severely ill if infected. Many details about this disease are still unknown, such as treatment options, how the virus works, and the total impact of the illness.
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?
The symptoms of Coronavirus include mild-to-severe respiratory symptoms. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and lower respiratory illness. It may be contagious before a person begins showing symptoms.
Where do I go if I have 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.
For additional information, you can also contact The New York State Department of Health toll-free Novel Coronavirus Hotline at 1-888-364-3065.
How else can I get healthcare services?
Telehealth is a convenient way for Fidelis Care members to obtain healthcare services. Fidelis Care covers all services a provider may offer via telehealth for all of our health insurance products. Members can access services directly with their provider, if they have the ability to do so. Contact your provider to ensure their ability to provide telehealth services, and how you can schedule an appointment.
Will my benefits cover Coronavirus testing and evaluation?
Fidelis Care has waived co-pays, deductibles, and/or co-insurance for all diagnostic testing and evaluations related to Coronavirus testing on plans that have cost sharing. Members will not be subject to cost sharing for the test or the provider visit when the purpose of that visit was for testing.
Can I get additional refills of my prescriptions?
Fidelis Care is covering early refills and up to a 90-day supply of most maintenance medications for members. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications used for chronic health conditions. Medicare Advantage, Dual Advantage, Qualified Health Plan, and Essential Plan members are also encouraged to use mail-order pharmacy for 90-day refills.
For Fidelis Care Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and HealthierLife members, please note:
- Medication Delivery:
- Pharmacies that choose to provide delivery to individuals quarantined may confirm receipt of the medications by the member through a phone call, text, or email, in lieu of getting a signature.
- Prescription transfers:
- If a Medicaid member has had a prescription filled from a pharmacy that is inaccessible or traveling to that pharmacy is not feasible, then he/she can obtain a new prescription order from the prescriber;
OR
- A refill of the prescription can be transferred to another Medicaid participating pharmacy where allowed by law.
Protect yourself and your community.
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.
- Clean public surfaces thoroughly.
- Avoid shaking hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Are there strategies for coping with the COVID-19 outbreak?
Worry and anxiety can rise about the spread of COVID-19. Concern for friends and family who live in places where the spread of COVID-19 is progressing is natural. Some recommendations to help manage your feelings include the following:
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
- Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships, a sense of hope and positive thinking and use technology to stay connected.
- Share the facts about COVID-19 and the actual risk to others. People who have returned from areas of ongoing spread more than 14 days ago and do not have symptoms of COVID-19 do not put others at risk.
- For more information, see the CDC’s suggestions for mental health and coping during COVID-19.
For more information, please visit cdc.gov.