JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 6, 2020 / PRNewswire / – Florida Blue, the state’s largest health insurer, announces coverage updates to help combat the spread and impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state of Florida.
Florida Blue will seek to minimize barriers to testing and treatment and waive all copays and deductibles for COVID-19 medical testing for members who are part of our commercial insurance plans, including the Care Act Affordable (ACA) / Individual and Medicare Advantage health care plans.
Members should immediately call their health care provider if they develop symptoms or think they may have been exposed to COVID-19. If it is determined that coronavirus tests are required, Florida Blue supports the work of providers, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure that all COVID-19 tests are available to members. The tests are currently provided free of charge by national and federal health authorities and may soon be available in other laboratories.
Florida Blue to Increase Prescription Medicine Access by Removing 30-Day Prescription Drug Limits on Prescription Maintenance Drugs (under Member Benefits Plan) and / or Encouraging Members to Use the advantage of 90-day mail order. Florida Blue will also ensure the flexibility of the form in the event of a shortage or access problems. Members will not be responsible for any additional costs resulting from obtaining a non-preferred medication in the event of a shortage or access problem.
In addition, Florida Blue strongly encourages its members to take advantage of the virtual care and consultation available for less serious medical problems, such as the common cold or other mild illnesses. Members can visit the Florida Blue website to learn more about virtual care options.
Florida Blue realizes that managing the impacts of the coronavirus can be stressful for members and their families. In partnership with New Directions Behavioral Health, the company provides access to specially trained behavioral health counselors via a free 24-hour hotline at 833-848-1762.
“As the impact of COVID-19 spreads, we want to assure our members that we will do everything in our power to make treatments and health services readily available,” said Pat geraghty, President and CEO of Florida Blue. “The health of our members and the community is of the utmost importance to us, and we will continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 and make the policy adjustments necessary to continuously increase access to care.”
About Florida Blue
Florida Blue, Florida Blue Cross and Blue Shield, provided health insurance to residents of Florida for 75 years. Driven by its mission to help people and communities improve their health, the company serves more than 5 million healthcare members across the state. In total, Florida Blue and its affiliates serve 27 million people in 35 states. Based at Jacksonville, Florida., he is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
SOURCE Florida Blue