Surviving Allergy Season
Spring has arrived, bringing warmer temperatures and blooming flowers. While many welcome this season, it also marks the start of spring allergies for others.
Here are some tips to help prep and get you through the season:
- Plan time outdoors wisely: Avoid being outside during peak allergy times. Pollen counts are typically high during windy days and in the mornings.
- Clean regularly: Vacuum, wash bedding, and dust surfaces on a regular basis to help reduce allergens in your home.
- Give your sinuses a bath: Rinse your nasal passages with nasal irrigation (saline solution) to effectively flush out debris and allergens.
- Try an over-the-counter remedy: From nasal sprays to oral antihistamines to decongestants, there are a variety of nonprescription medications that may help ease your allergy symptoms.
- Invest in an air purifier: Consider investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter to help remove allergens in your home. Check out these top-rated air purifiers.
When home remedies don’t do the trick, ask your health care provider to help determine your next step. They may recommend allergy testing.
Common Allergy Tests
- Skin Prick Testing – This test involves lightly pricking or scratching the skin with a small amount of a substance you may be allergic to.
- Blood Allergy Tests – A medical test that checks your blood for signs of an allergic reaction to specific substances.
- Food Allergy Testing – Used to help determine whether your immune system reacts to specific foods.
Allergy testing is often covered by insurance, but coverage depends on your plan, provider, and medical necessity. It may qualify for full or partial coverage when deemed medically necessary under your plan. Please note some services may require prior authorization.
How to check your plan coverage
Your Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) is a helpful first step. It provides an overview of what your health plan covers and what costs you may be responsible for. To review your SBC:
- Log onto your member portal account at mybluekc.com
- Navigate to Plan Benefits on the left panel
- Under Medical, locate Plan Documents
- Download your Summary of Benefits Document
If you have questions or don’t see allergy testing mentioned in your SBC, call the customer service number on the back of your member ID card. A representative can help review your benefits and let you know what’s covered and what you may need to pay.
Need help finding allergy care?
- Visit your member portal at MyBlueKC.com
- Click Find Care in the left column
- Click Find Doctors, Specialists & Hospitals
- Use the search bar to find a specific doctor’s name, specialties, and procedures
Sources:
ACAAI.org: Testing & Diagnosis
Reliefiasi.com: Are Allergy Treatments Covered By Insurance?
