Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Medicare Members

Last Updated: February 2, 2022

We're here to make sure you have the resources and care you need to keep yourself safe and well. Let’s look at the latest information on COVID-19 and how your health care plan can help. We'll also explore the additional care and support available for your protection and everyday needs.

Stay Informed

Please log in and update your communication preferences to make sure you receive the latest information.

COVID-19 Testing Guidance for Medicare Advantage Members

Who should take a test and when?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines for who should get a diagnostic test and when based on your current health, your vaccination status, and your history of infection. Visit the CDC website for the most up-to-date testing guidance.

Where can I find a test?

Visit COVIDtests.gov for information on free tests that may be available through government services.
You can still use in-person diagnostic COVID-19 testing sites. These may include your doctor's office, a pharmacy or health clinic, or an urgent care center. Use the CDC COVID-19 testing site to find a testing location close to you.
At-home diagnostic tests can be purchased over the counter online, at a local pharmacy, or from a big-box store.

How does my plan cover the over-the-counter test?

Visit your member website for information on how your health plan covers COVID-19 testing.

Can I visit the emergency room for a test?

As hospitals and emergency departments are overwhelmed, avoid going to the emergency room (ER) if you need to get tested. Only visit the ER or call 911 if you're experiencing life-threatening symptoms.

If you have Medicare, you won’t pay for your vaccine

Vaccine safety

Research shows the COVID-19 vaccination will help keep you from getting COVID-19. Many thousands of people across the United States took part in research trials over many months. These trials show the FDA whether a vaccine is safe and effective. Here’s what the CDC says about COVID-19 vaccine safety.

Am I eligible?

Each state will decide how and when to distribute vaccines. People at most risk of contracting COVID-19 or developing complications of illness are scheduled to receive vaccinations first. Here is what the CDC recommends.

Find a Vaccine

Please visit VaccineFinder to find COVID-19 vaccines by ZIP Code, vaccine brand, and availability status. Plus, we will keep you updated as things develop. Be sure to log in and check your communication preferences.

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE MEMBERS, LEARN ABOUT YOUR EXPANDED COVERAGE FOR COVID-19

With your Medicare Advantage plan, we are waiving your costs for the following care:
COVID-19 treatment from April 1, 2020 through February 28, 2021, including inpatient and outpatient services, respiratory services, durable medical equipment, and skilled-care needs. Starting on March 1, 2021, your usual plan cost shares will apply.
COVID-19 diagnostic tests, including serology or antibody tests, and visits to get the test, for the duration of the public emergency.
COVID-19 screening related tests (e.g., influenza tests, blood tests, etc.) performed during a provider visit that results in an order for, or administration of, diagnostic testing for COVID-19. This is also for the duration of the public emergency.
Virtual care from in-network* providers until February 28, 2021. Starting on March 1, 2021, your usual plan cost shares will apply. Remember, LiveHealth Online visits are always at no cost for Medicare Advantage members.

MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT MEMBERS, LEARN ABOUT YOUR EXPANDED COVERAGE FOR COVID-19

We are waiving your costs for telehealth visits with your doctor through January 31, 2021. After that time, standard Medicare and Medicare Supplement cost sharing and coverage will apply. Please note this coverage does not apply to LiveHealth Online visits.

*If you are a member of a Passive PPO plan, you are able to get care from any provider that accepts Medicare assignment.

Stay Informed About COVID-19 and Prevention

COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus that causes a highly contagious infection. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of reported symptoms, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

Please check the CDC for the most up-to-date list of symptoms.

Wash your hands often with soap and water; use hand sanitizer when you can’t wash.
Clean and disinfect items and surfaces you touch often.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues; discard the tissues.
Avoid touching your face.

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure to the virus. Check the CDC website for up-to-date advice and review the tips below.

That includes older adults, people living with disabilities, and those with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, and heart, lung or kidney disease.

Call your doctor right away if you’ve been around someone who may have COVID-19, and you have a fever, cough or difficulty breathing.

If you’re caring for someone who doesn’t have COVID-19:

Stay home if possible.
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when entering their house or room.
Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer before and after touching someone or any mobility devices (canes, a walker) or other equipment.
Every day, use household cleaner to wipe the surfaces of frequently-used equipment or devices.

If you’re caring for someone who has COVID-19:

If their symptoms get worse, call their doctor.
Call 911 if you see emergency warning signs like the below. Mention they have COVID-19 (or symptoms of it).
Trouble breathing.
Pain or pressure in the chest that won’t go away.
Confusion; bluish lips or face; or unconsciousness.
If you’re in the same room, car or doctor’s office with someone who is sick, both of you should cover your nose, mouth and chin with a CDC-recommended cloth face cover. Cover your face even if they cannot, and wear gloves if you can.
Whenever possible, the person with COVID-19 should be alone and using a separate room and/or bathroom.
Clean surfaces often, like countertops, doorknobs, light switches, faucets and more.

Care And Support Without
Leaving Home

We have resources and partners to help you handle not just everyday needs, but extra ones you may be facing in this outbreak

LIVEHEALTH ONLINE

Do a video or phone visit with a doctor or therapist from home. LiveHealth Online is a 24/7 telehealth service that's free with Medicare Advantage plans.

Visit LiveHealth Online

LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES - findhelp

Find free and reduced-cost support for food, transportation, housing, health and more. We partnered with findhelp, a social care network that connects you with local help.

Search Services Near You

FIND A COVID-19 TEST SITE

If your doctor recommended you get tested, find a nearby COVID-19 testing site.

Find a Test Site

MONITOR YOUR POST-VACCINE HEALTH

Download the v-safe app for personalized health check-ins after you receive your first COVID-19 vaccine. The app will remind you when to get your second dose. It also lets you notify the CDC of any side effects you may experience.

Get the V-safe App

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HELP - PSYCH HUB

Use Psych Hub's resources to help you manage and cope in stressful times. Find free videos and tools that address topics like depression and anxiety in a helpful, sympathetic way.

Visit Psych Hub

CDC: COVID-19 and people at risk Administration for Community Living: COVID-19 and what you need to know

Medicare Members