Here are some frequently asked questions about COVID-19 coverage and how to stay safe. If you are a Blue Advantage member with questions not answered below, please call the Customer Service number on the back of your ID card.
Does Blue Advantage cover COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccination?
The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) waived the cost share for some COVID-related services. With the PHE ending on May 11, 2023, here is how those services will be covered on your Blue Advantage plan starting on that date:
Blue Advantage will continue to cover vaccinations/boosters with no cost share, just as we do other Medicare-covered preventive wellness vaccines.
Blue Advantage will cover the following at your plan’s stated copay or coinsurance:
Testing done at a laboratory, pharmacy, doctor’s office or hospital.
If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccines or boosters, the best person to ask is your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They can give you guidance.
It’s important that everyone, vaccinated or not, takes steps to prevent spreading COVID-19. This includes wearing a face mask in crowded indoor areas, keeping up social distancing, washing your hands often and isolating yourself if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
How do I know if I should be tested and where can I find a test?
If you are experiencing symptoms, you can contact your healthcare provider to find out if you should be tested and to ask about which test you should have and where you can get one.
How can I avoid COVID-19 scams?
Scammers have started calling Medicare beneficiaries and asking for their personal information to sign them up for a vaccine. You should only share your personal information with trusted health care providers.
Here are some other tips to avoid vaccine scams:
You do not need to pay for the vaccine
You do not need to pay to get on the list to receive the vaccine
You do not need to provide your bank account information or credit card number to receive the vaccine
Do not give your Medicare number or other personal information to strangers
Review your medical statements for potential errors, fraud or abuse
There have also been reports of scammers selling fake COVID-19 test kits and claiming you can be reimbursed later if you pay them now. If you buy COVID-19 test kits, it’s best to buy them from a pharmacy or other health supplies store. Make sure the test has a U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorization so you know it’s a real test. And, be wary of anyone who approaches you, cold calls or reaches out by email or text offering to sell you COVID-19 test kits.
If you think you may have been the victim of fraud or have been approached by a scammer, be sure to report it immediately. Blue Cross members should call our fraud hotline at 1-800-392-9249 or email fraud@bcbsla.com. If you aren't a Blue Cross member, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
What else does Blue Advantage do to help keep me safe?
Blue Advantage members get up to $200 a year for over-the-counter supplies from participating retailers. This includes:
Disposable face masks
Hand sanitizer
Digital thermometer
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