Coronavirus: What you need to know
Monday, December 21, 2020
A wave of COVID-19 cases is sweeping across the United States. Times like these remind us that we're all interconnected. From healthcare workers on the front lines to our essential members working to keep the country moving forward, each of us has a part to play.
At TeamCare, our members are our first priority—and have been for over 70 years. We’ve always made it our mission to deliver on the promise to provide the best healthcare benefits possible. As coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to affect the well-being of our members, we know you’ll have a lot of questions about the virus, testing, and vaccine options.
We’re committed to providing you answers.
If I have symptoms related to COVID-19, what do I need to do?
-
You can call Teladoc and speak directly with a physician. You can schedule that appointment at 1-800-TELADOC or by visiting Teladoc.com/TeamCare. There is no copayment associated with this service.
- Select CVS MinuteClinics and certain CVS pharmacies are now accepting walk-in patients. You can check if there is a location in your area by visiting cvs.com to schedule an appointment.
- Contact your primary care physician and schedule an in-office visit or a telehealth visit with your physician.
If a COVID-19 test is required, what are my options?
There are three main options that you have:
- CVS MinuteClinics and certain CVS pharmacies
CVS MinuteClinics and certain CVS pharmacies conduct COVID-19 testing both onsite with drive-thru locations, and inside CVS pharmacy locations. There are over 4,100 testing locations. - In-network hospital or doctor’s office
Most in-network hospitals or doctors' offices also conduct both onsite with drive-thru testing, and in-office testing. You should contact the in-network hospital or doctor in advance to arrange an appointment. - Community-based testing sites
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has partnered with pharmacies and retail companies to accelerate testing for more Americans in communities across the country. Health centers are an important component of the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on a community-based testing site or health center, please visit hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites.
What do I have to pay for my COVID-19 office visit and testing?
The Board of Trustees announced in April 2020 that claims incurred during the period of March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 for the diagnosis of COVID-19 would be covered in full without any member cost sharing. In November 2020, the Board of Trustees subsequently extended that coverage period until December 31, 2021. In addition, items, services of immunizations (when available) intended to prevent or mitigate COVID-19, will also be covered in full without any member cost sharing.
When will there be a vaccination or immunization to prevent COVID-19?
On December 11, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech SE. The authorization allows the vaccine, which produced a 95% efficacy rate in clinical trials, to be distributed in the U.S. to individuals 16 years of age and older.
The vaccine is administered in two separate doses, three weeks apart. Healthcare workers and elder care patients began receiving the first round of doses on December 14, 2020. Information on the availability of this vaccine for the general public is not yet available.
On December 18, 2020 the FDA granted emergency use authorization for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine, which produced an 94% efficacy rate in clinical trials, is also administered in two doses one month apart. Distribution of this vaccine began on December 21, 2020.
U.S. officials estimate approximately 40 million doses total (enough for 20 million people) from Pfizer and Moderna will be available by the end of the year with millions more expected in 2021.
TeamCare, along with our healthcare partners, continue to monitor the FDA approval process and once further information is available, we will communicate that to our members on where, when, and how to get the vaccine.