Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas City Covid Coverage & Costs - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Skip to main content

COVID-19 NATIONAL EMERGENCY & PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY ENDING

The COVID-19 National Emergency will end on May 11, 2023, but includes an additional 60-day period to extend deadlines for COBRA elections/payments, HIPAA Special Enrollment, Appeals, and member submitted Claims. These deadlines will return to normal timeframes starting July 11, 2023.

The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency will end on May 11, 2023, removing the federally mandated coverage requirements for COVID-19 testing, related services, treatments and vaccinations. A summary of changes that will begin May 12, 2023, can be found here.

Blue Medicare Advantage summary of changes that will begin May 12, 2023, can be found here.

COVID-19 Information

Costs & Coverage

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Symptoms

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Testing

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Vaccine

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COVID-19 Costs & Coverage

Blue KC is committed to making sure our members are safe and well protected. So, we’re waiving some cost sharing responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cost sharing means that you typically pay some of your healthcare costs and Blue KC pays some of your healthcare costs. The Public Health Emergency will end May 11, 2023, and previously waived cost sharing will apply starting May 12, 2023.

Testing

Learn about FREE AT-HOME COVID-19 TESTS here.

Through the end of the public health emergency on May 11, 2023, you have a variety of in-network options if you’re interested in receiving a COVID-19 test. The following locations work with your plan, meaning you won’t have to pay out of pocket to receive a test ( please note that testing sites not included below may require you to pay higher out of pocket fees and submit a claim for reimbursement):

If you have questions about COVID-19 or testing, please contact your primary care provider.

Go to the Testing page for more information.

Related Services

Through the end of the public health emergency on May 11, 2023, there are no costs for certain related services provided to a covered member during visits that result in an order for, or the administration of a COVID-19 diagnostic test. The related service will be covered at a zero-member cost share only to the extent the related service is to determine the need for the diagnostic testing.

Unexpected Charges for COVID-19 Testing

If you received an unexpected bill for COVID-19 testing (for instance, you were charged for an office visit for the testing), please call the Customer Service number on your Blue KC member ID card and we can help.

Virtual visits

Through the end of the public health emergency on May 11, 2023, Blue KC will waive all in-network member cost sharing for virtual (face-to-face), telephone, e-mail or text visits for medical services or behavioral health therapy (cost sharing still applies to physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy). Please note, effective January 1, 2022, this waiver does not apply to Health Savings Account (HSA) compatible health plans.

To access virtual visits and learn if your in-network provider offers virtual visits:

  • Contact your provider to find out if they offer virtual visits.
  • Virtual visits may include appointments via telephone, email or text.
  • Includes virtual visits for medical services or behavioral health therapy.
  • Cost sharing (deductibles, copayments and coinsurance) still applies to physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Blue KC Virtual Care is another great option to navigate your personal health and safety during COVID-19:

  • To ensure access to COVID-related care, this service will continue to be provided at no member cost-sharing for all members.
  • You can access a video visit right from your computer with a virtual care doctor who’s been trained to evaluate for COVID-19.
  • Go to VirtualCare.BlueKC.com.

Please be prepared for longer wait times due to the popularity of virtual care.

Know your care options

Use the guide below to know where to go if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, from mild to severe, or for behavioral health support.

Experiencing mild symptoms? Your primary care doctor is the best person to assess your condition and determine if you need a COVID-19 test.

Have a virtual visit with a healthcare provider from the safety and comfort of your home. Contact your provider to see if they offer a virtual visit, or use BlueKCVirtualCare.com.

Use your behavioral health benefit to help you cope with any stress or anxiety you may be experiencing as a result of COVID-19. Go to MindfulBlueKC.com to learn more.

Always go to the ER if your health is in danger, or call 911! Severe COVID-19 symptoms can include difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain/pressure, new confusion, inability to stay awake, etc. *This list of warning signs is not all inclusive of all severe symptoms.

Vaccines

There are no costs for the COVID-19 vaccine for Blue KC members during the public health emergency.

  • The cost of a COVID-19 vaccine is covered by the federal government.
  • The cost for administering the vaccine cannot be billed to patients, and Blue KC members will not have to pay for administration of the vaccine during the public health emergency.

Go to the Vaccine page for more information.