The tide may be turning on COVID-19, but staying vigilant is just as important as ever.
Let’s start with a quick Q&A to help you answer employees’ questions…
When will I get vaccinated?
COVID-19 vaccines are being prioritized for healthcare and other essential workers, those most at risk, nursing home residents, and the elderly. While it’s expected that vaccines will be more widely available later this year, more studies must be completed before a COVID-19 vaccine is available for children.
What does Blue KC cover?
Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccinations are free. The federal government funded the initial supply, and Blue KC covers administering the shots for members.
Testing
Certain COVID-19 diagnostic tests will be covered with no cost share if your healthcare provider orders the test intended for individual diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19.
Prior authorizations
Prior authorizations will be waived for diagnostic tests and for outpatient covered services that are medically necessary and consistent with CDC guidance if diagnosed with COVID-19.
Virtual Care app services
Urgent care visits and behavioral health therapy visits provided in the Blue KC Virtual Care app are at no additional cost until June 30th of this year. Your employees can download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, or go to www.BlueKCVirtualCare.com and visit with a doctor trained to evaluate for COVID-19.
Inpatient hospital admissions
Blue KC waived cost sharing and copayments for inpatient hospital admissions due to COVID-19 diagnosis for individuals fully insured by Blue KC. Members on other plans, such as Minimum Premium, Cost-Plus, and ASO Groups, will need to check the terms of their coverage or contact Blue KC Customer Service at the number listed on their member ID card.
You can find answers to more FAQs here.
Mindful by Blue KC Behavioral Health Services
If your employees are feeling stressed about pandemic life, remind them that they have behavioral health benefits through Blue KC. They can visit www.mindfulbluekc.com or call 833-302-MIND to speak with a Mindful Advocate 24/7. They can also call the behavioral health number on their member ID card.
Be sure to check out our COVID-19 Safety & Vaccines Employer Guide
This turnkey resource provides messaging and a suggested communications plan to inform your employees about actions they can take to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 as they wait for vaccines to become widely available to the general public. The guide highlights Blue KC resources our members can leverage during this time, including Mindful by Blue KC and the Blue KC Virtual Care app, and sends them to our website for more information. The guide and other valuable resources can be found at bluekc.com/tools (under “Education Campaigns”) along with many other employer resources.
Find additional resources on our blog
It’s full of information including COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and possible side effects, mask myths, and practicing self-care when working from home.
You can access our blog to share content like this directly with your employees, or through your company’s intranet: bluekc.com/blog/health-wellness/#COVID-19.
Stay up to date on Covid-19 vaccine availability and information
For the latest updates on COVID-19 vaccine availability, please monitor your county health department for enrollment portals, sign-ups and new information, PLUS stay up to date with Blue KC’s website. We’ll continue providing COVID-19 updates as they become available.
Please contact your Blue KC representative with questions or for more information for you and your employees. Your employees can also call the customer service or behavioral health numbers on the back of their Blue KC membership card with questions.