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.
Update your email address and choose the email option under Helpful Information to stay informed on COVID-19.
All Empire plans cover medically necessary COVID-19 testing and the care visit where the test takes place with no out-of-pocket costs. Find a COVID-19 testing location near you by using this tool. 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.
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.
Telehealth doctor visits give you access to care without leaving your home. Telehealth visits with doctors and health-care professionals in your plan's network are covered at no cost to you during the New York State COVID emergency. This includes telehealth visits that are not related to COVID-19 if they would have been covered in person. Ask your network provider if they offer telehealth visits.
This benefit may not apply to all members. Please call the Member Services number on your ID card to confirm your benefits.
The Virtual Care text feature on the Sydney Care mobile app allows Empire members to chat with a doctor. You can download the app here. It works together with your Sydney Health or Engage Wellbeing app.
This benefit may not apply to all members. Please call the Member Services number on your ID card to confirm your COVID-19 benefits.
Receive personalized guidance about your health and connect with a doctor via text, chat or video with the Sydney Care mobile app. Sydney Care app features, benefits and costs vary from plan to plan.
The Sydney Care mobile app is a quick and easy way to find out what your symptoms may mean without leaving home. The app’s Coronavirus Assessment tool is always free. It uses guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And Sydney Care can connect you to a doctor for a telehealth visit after you use its Coronavirus Assessment feature. Sydney Care is available for iOS and Android devices. It works together with your Sydney Health or Engage Wellbeing app.
It’s important to take care of your emotional and mental health needs, so we’ve added benefits that provide resources for dealing with the challenges you may be facing right now.
Empire’s affiliated health plans and Beacon Health Options have joined with Psych Hub, mental health advocates, and other national health insurers to develop a free web-based resource to support members’ mental health needs. Psych Hub offers a range of resources to help you and your family deal with pandemic-related stress such as social isolation, job loss and other mental health issues.
Navigate COVID-19 challenges like social isolation and job loss with a free mental health resource hub, powered by Psych Hub and supported by Empire.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) (January 28, 2020):
cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Summary (March 3, 2020):
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html
© 2021 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.