Wellness Update: Benefits & Employee Assistance Resources
In an effort to help you and your family, we have a full range of benefits and employee assistance resources available. Several programs have recently been enhanced to respond to the current conditions and we will continue to look at ways to help you. Noted here is a listing of highlighted changes.
CareFirst Resources:
- LifeBridge Health Telemedicine: If offered by your current provider, telehealth visits will be covered under the enhanced COVID-19 terms noted here, including no co-pays.
- CareFirst Video Visit: We are pleased to announce that this new service is now available for LifeBridge Health employees and their dependents who participate in the CareFirst medical plans. When your primary care provider (PCP) isn't available, CareFirst Video Visit allows you to securely connect with a doctor whenever and wherever you want on a smartphone, tablet or computer.
- CareFirst has waived all of the Video Visit Urgent Care COVID-19 fees to help promote social distancing.
- With this telehealth app, CareFirst members are able to see real life wait times to chat with providers through an easy-to-use platform.
- Video Visit doctors provide consultation, diagnosis and even prescriptions (when available and appropriate).
- Learn more here.
- COVID-19 Testing and Treatment: CareFirst is waiving member cost share (copays, coinsurance and deductibles*) for the following services that are performed both in-network or out-of-network:**
- Medically necessary diagnostic tests at approved locations in accordance with CDC guidance related to COVID-19.
- Any visit to diagnose or test for COVID-19 regardless of the care setting - doctor's office, urgent care, ER, etc.
- Medically necessary treatment for members who have been diagnosed with, or are strongly suspected of having, COVID-19.
- In response to CDC and public health officials' strong recommendation to practice social distancing, encouraging the use of telemedicine and telephonic consultations.
- Copays, coinsurance and deductibles will be waived for the duration of this public health emergency for the following:
- Testing related to COVID-19
- Office visits related to COVID-19
- Treatment of COVID-19
- CareFirst Video Visits - for any purpose including behavioral health, lactation support, nutrition counselling and urgent care services
- Telephone Calls with providers - for clinical staff of primary care, general practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, OBGYN and associated nurse practitioners
- Additionally, CareFirst has eliminated prior authorization requirements for diagnostic tests and covered services that are medically necessary and consistent with CDC guidance for members diagnosed with COVID-19.
*The IRS has issued new guidance to allow high deductible health plans to cover COVID-19 tests and treatments before the deductible.
**CareFirst will process and pay medically necessary and appropriate out-of-network claims at the in-network level. The member will be responsible for the difference between the CareFirst allowed amount and the out-of-network provider's billed charge.
Prescription Benefit:
- CVS has waived early medication refill limits on 30-day maintenance medications (consistent with a member's benefit plan) and encouraging members to use their 90-day mail order benefit. Member cost sharing will apply as normal. Members will not be liable for additional charges t