Medicare and COVID-19
Hopefully, you will not experience any of the symptoms of the COVID virus but if you do, know that your
Medicare provider, whether an HMO, PPO or supplemental plan is there to help and support you.
All the insurance companies are working with medical professionals, the Center for Disease Control
(CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other government agencies as situations develop.
Some of the steps taken by the Medicare insurance companies are:
Waving COVID-19 related prior authorizations and member cost sharing for related screening,
testing and treatment.
Not requiring prior authorization, prior certification, prior notification or step therapy protocols
for COVID-19 testing and screening.
Enhancing protocols to ensure pharmaceutical services continue to be available through supply
chain management.
Waive cost sharing for in-network non-COVID-19 telehealth visits.
Be connected with a nurse if you need help in evaluating your risks or are looking for clinical
advice and support related to COVID-19 along with general health questions.
You could ask for early prescription refills. Check your supply to see if you need to ask for a refill.
MOST IMPORTANT
Check with your individual Medicare provider to see what benefits are available during this COVID-19
time. There is a customer service number on the back of your insurance company card.
We are all familiar with the precautionary measures to support a safe and healthy environment.
Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Use alcohol-based (containing at least 60 percent) hand sanitizer
Cover your month in a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze
Thoroughly clean surfaces that may contaminated.
Avoid shaking hands and close contact with people who are sick.
These are good common senses practices that we should all follow long after COVID-19 is a distant memory.