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Individual & Family
and Employer Group Plans

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

We know these are challenging times, and want you to know that Empire remains deeply committed to supporting you and protecting your overall health and wellbeing.

STAY INFORMED

Update your email address and choose the email option under Helpful Information to stay informed on COVID-19.

How Your Benefits Work

After the public health emergency ends on May 11, 2023, Empire will cover COVID-19 vaccinations when the healthcare professional and facility is in your plan’s network. For most plans, there will be no out of pocket cost. Go to Empireblue.com, Find Care to find healthcare professionals and facilities in your plan’s network.

If you have questions or would like support, chat with us on the Sydney Health mobile app or Empireblue.com. If you prefer, call us at the Member Services number on your ID card.

COVID-19 testing coverage after the end of the Public Health Emergency

After May 11, 2023, Empire plans cover medically necessary COVID-19 testing and the care visit where the test takes place, but out of pocket costs may apply based on your plan. Please talk to a doctor first to be certain you need a COVID-19 test. A doctor must order a COVID-19 test for you.

 

Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests

After the end of the Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023, new purchases of over-the-counter tests will no longer be reimbursed. However, if your receipt is from May 11, 2023, or earlier, you can still submit a claim for reimbursement.

  • Save your receipts when you purchase over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic tests. You'll need to submit them when you apply for reimbursement.
  • Follow this link to submit a claim, or log in to the SydneySM Health mobile app, go to Claims, and choose Submit a Claim. If your employer has asked you to submit receipts to your pharmacy benefit plan, please don’t submit them here.

Diagnostic tests are for people who have symptoms of COVID-19. They also are for people who have no symptoms but know or suspect that they have recently been exposed to someone who has COVID-19.

Empire will help you coordinate COVID-19 care.

People who are diagnosed with COVID-19 may have long-term symptoms. Empire case management nurses are ready to help coordinate care for long-term symptoms of COVID-19. If you’d like additional support, please call the Member Services number on your member ID and ask for an Empire Case Management Nurse.

If you have Medicaid, you can go to https://mss.empireblue.com/ny/home.html for information about your plan. If you have Medicare, you can go to www.empireblue.com/medicare for information about your plan.

Helpful Resources

Stay informed by checking these resources for up-to-date information about COVID-19, especially if you’re thinking about traveling.

© 2023 Empire. Services provided by Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc. and/or Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Serving residents and businesses in the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of New York State.