Trustworthy resources to safely navigate your COVID-19 “new normal”
June 25, 2020
By Content Support -
By Dr. Mark Steffen - Senior Vice President, Medical Management and Chief Medical Officer
Coronavirus and your Blue Cross MN health plan: Answers to top questions
March 4, 2020Information updated 12/16/2020
As more reports of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the U.S. continue, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota is working to ensure we are prepared to respond to any further spread of COVID-19.
Our top priority is to ensure the health and safety of our members.
In the interest of keeping you up to date, we have answers to some of the most common questions we are hearing.
Is coronavirus testing and treatment covered by my Blue Cross MN health plan?
We know many of you have questions about when and if you or members of your family should be tested for the COVID-19 virus— and if such tests are covered by your Blue Cross MN plan.
Please be assured that when medically necessary and appropriate— which is currently determined by accepted guidelines such as those from the Center for Disease Control and/or the Minnesota Department of Health— a screening test ordered by a medical professional will be covered at no cost with no prior authorization required.
With no cost to the member, Blue Cross will pay for the appropriate medically necessary diagnostic testing and in-network care — including hospitalization — for fully insured* employer, individual and Medicare members. These members will not have any copay, coinsurance or deductible costs for COVID-19 diagnosis or care. Self-insured employers will have the flexibility to apply the same no-cost structure.
It’s important to note that Blue Cross will only cover FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests at no cost to the member when the test is ordered or administered by a licensed health care professional. Coverage for COVID-19 testing does not apply if the test is not ordered (virtually or in-person) or administered by a health care provider. While some providers offer upfront payment options without the consultation of a health professional, this is not recommended. Please call the number on the back of your member ID card if you have any questions about testing coverage.
With no cost to the member, Blue Cross will pay for the appropriate medically necessary diagnostic testing and in-network care — including hospitalization — for fully insured employer, individual and Medicare members.
What if I have questions about my specific health plan coverage?
The best way to get more information about what is covered under your health plan is to call the customer service number on the back of your member ID card.
Will Blue Cross cover antibody testing?
For the duration of the COVID-19 health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will cover FDA-authorized antibody (serological) tests with no member cost share when ordered or administered by an attending healthcare provider (for Medicare members, tests can be ordered and/or administered by any health care professional who is authorized under state law).
Consultation with your health provider is very important as the FDA advises that antibody testing should not be used for diagnosis of COVID-19.
How can I be sure that I can get my prescription drugs refills?
For members who have Prime Therapeutics as their Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM), Blue Cross has increased access to prescription medications by waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications (consistent with member’s benefit plan) and/or encouraging members to use 90-day mail order benefit. Additionally, members will not be liable for the additional charges that stem from obtaining a non-preferred medication.
Members with PBMs other than Prime Therapeutics should contact their PBM for information.
If I schedule a virtual appointment with a health care provider who I normally see in person, will I be covered?
Yes. As part of our efforts to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission, Blue Cross will cover telehealth services, including those offered through consumer apps like Facetime and Skype, for members whose benefits include telehealth coverage.
Editor's note: Read more about virtual care coverage in this blog post and the benefits of virtual care in this blog post.
Will Blue Cross cover preventive visits done through virtual care?
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota has made the decision to allow preventive care services to be provided via telehealth during the COVID-19 National Health Emergency. Health care providers may provide all or portions of a preventive medicine visit via telehealth that can be done so appropriately and effectively. Services that require a face-to-face interaction may be provided at a later date.
Editor's note: The most up-to-date information on our expanded virtual care coverage can be found here.
If I have an elective service cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, will prior authorization extend to the newly scheduled date?
Many hospital and clinics are rescheduling or postponing elective procedures due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Blue Cross will proactively extend prior authorizations for elective procedures.
Certain services may require a new prior authorization and we recommend that you talk to your doctor to determine if you will need a new prior authorization prior to your procedure being rescheduled.
Will I have medical care covered if I plan to travel outside the U.S.?
If you have plans for international travel, please note that most health plans have significant restrictions on coverage for medical care outside the U.S.
It is a good idea to consider applying for a short-term travel insurance policy that would pay for any needed hospitalizations, medical care or emergency medical evacuations while in a foreign country. You can learn more about our GeoBlue travel policies in this blog post.
It is a good idea to consider a short-term travel insurance policy. Learn about GeoBlue.
If I am moved to an out-of-network hospital for COVID-19 treatment and care, will I still be covered at no cost?
Yes, when a member is transferred to a different hospital because of capacity constraints, Blue Cross will cover the member’s transport as a medically necessary service and waive any member cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatment received at the new location, regardless of network status. Furthermore, if a member is relocated to an out-of-network hospital due to capacity constraints for non-COVID care, in-network benefits will still apply.
What should I do if I suspect I have COVID-19?
If you are concerned you may have COVID-19 you should contact your medical provider immediately. The CDC recommends the following steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to others.
- Stay home except to get medical care.
- Limit your contact not only with other people in your home, but also any pets or animals.
- Call ahead before going to the doctor to prevent others from being exposed to COVID-19.
- Wear a facemask if you are sick and are around others.
- Cover your cough and sneezes. And properly dispose of tissues.
- Wash your hands often. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid sharing household items, such as dishes, bedding, etc. Wash items thoroughly after use.
- Clean every day. Make sure to regularly disinfect all surfaces you touch.
- Monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if your condition is getting worse. Make sure to keep your doctor fully informed so they can inform the health department if necessary.
- Work with your doctor to determine when it is safe to discontinue home isolation.
The complete and detailed list of the CDC recommendations to prevent spread of COVID-19 if you are sick can be found here.
Where can I go for the most reliable up-to-date information on coronavirus?
The best resource for the most up-to-date information on the coronavirus can be found on this landing page from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By going to the CDC site, you can find the number of confirmed cases in the U.S. as well as traveler information and a general overview of the virus. You can also visit their FAQs page for more helpful information.
The most up-to-date information from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota can be found at bluecrossmn.com/coronavirus.
If you are looking for information specific to Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health also has resources available. Visit their landing page to stay up to date on local information related to coronavirus.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota remains in conversation with Blues plans across the country through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Collectively, we are continuing to monitor the coronavirus. Updates from the Blue Cross Association can be found here.
More Information
- Know the symptoms of COVID-19
- CDC recommendations for prevention and treatment of COVID-19
- Coronavirus: An Almanac special (includes translations in Spanish, Hmong and Somali)
- Expert recommendations to care for your mental health among the unknowns of COVID-19
- The next phase of COVID-19: Be safe and sensible as you get out and about
- Trustworthy resources to safely navigate your COVID-19 “new normal”
*Fully insured: A benefit plan offered by a company in which the insurance company pays for the member's health care claims and sets the plan benefits.
Very good information about Covid-19 coronavirus. Thank you BCBSMN.
Are Canadians wintering in the US (Florida) with Blue Cross Travel Insurance covered for any medical care if we get coronavirus??
It sounds like you are wondering about GeoBlue travel insurance. We encourage you to go to https://www.geo-blue.com to get the information you need.
Will i be able to access telehealth for psychotherapy?
Yes. As part of our efforts to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission, Blue Cross will cover telehealth services, including those offered through consumer apps like Facetime and Skype, for members whose benefits include telehealth coverage.
I just called customer service about tele-mental health. Sounds like you're dragging your feet. Get on the ball and get coverage in place so your members are covered for continuity of mental health care.
Peggy, we appreciate your concern and have resolved this issue. As part of our efforts to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission, Blue Cross will cover telehealth services, including those offered through consumer apps like Facetime and Skype, for members whose benefits include telehealth coverage.
If I end up in hospital for Covid 19 will the hospital stay be paid for, or will still have a co-pay?
Thank you for your question. Medically necessary and appropriate supportive care will be covered according to your plan benefits.
If we cannot pay the full amount of the premium, will that disrupt coverage?
We encourage you to call the number on the back of your member ID card for information specific to monthly payments for your health plan.
If I need to shelter in place out of network, is there a travel waiver to continue coverage out of state in the case I need to go to the hospital for covid19 treatment?
Hi Anna, thanks for taking the time to comment on our blog article. We recommend that you call the customer service phone number on the back of your card for this question. That way you'll get personalized help from a team member who can also help you locate a provider if necessary. Be well and stay safe!
I have the same question as joe c. "If I end up in hospital for Covid 19 will the hospital stay be paid for, or will still have a co-pay?"
Thank you for the question. Medically necessary and appropriate supportive care will be covered according to your plan benefits.
Hi. We are a hospital in Rochester (Olmsted Medical Center) and we have over 300 sewers sewing masks. Do you have any recommendation regarding how many hospitals are making throughout MN, and if there is a "magical stop" number where people are saying – we have enough?
We are working with hospitals across the state. The need continues to grow and will update as needs are communicated to be met. Thank you to all your volunteers! The need remains.
Can my monthly payment be suspended due to being out of work for lack of funds coming into the household? If so will we still have our current plan in effect?
We encourage you to call the number on the back of your member ID card for information specific to monthly payments for your health plan.
Will sars-cov-2 antibody tests be covered when they become available?
Do you have nurses Calling members to check on them and provide a phone number for Covid-19 information?
Blue Cross has dedicated clinical staff available to address inquiries related to medical services, ensuring timeliness of responses for members diagnosed with COVID-19. Full details of our commitments are available here: https://www.bluecrossmn.com/about-us/newsroom/coronavirus-how-we-are-responding-covid-19.
Will and can BCBS provide extended coverage to dependents on our plan that are going to be turning 26 but lost their job due to covid and will not have insurance.
Anyone looking for coverage due to job loss can reach out to our retail centers to discuss plan options. More information on that can be found in this blog post: https://blog.bluecrossmn.com/need-a-health-plan-blue-cross-retail-centers-equipped-to-navigate-special-enrollment-eligibility/
How long does it last out side the body
For questions specific to the nature of the COVID-19 coronavirus, we recommend reviewing information from the CDC at http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.
Live in Western MN – Near Olivia. I suspect I had COVID-19 in February. Is there someplace I can go to be tested and if it's so donate blood? Would any of this testing be covered?
For the duration of the COVID-19 health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will cover FDA-authorized antibody (serological) tests with no member cost share when ordered or administered by an attending healthcare provider (for Medicare members, tests can be ordered and/or administered by any health care professional who is authorized under state law).
Consultation with your health provider is very important as the FDA advises that antibody testing should not be used for diagnosis of COVID-19.
Would the COVID-19 Immune Response test done by Quest Diagnostic be covered by insurance if your doctor sends in an order?
Where can I call to make an appointment for the COVID19 test? I have had symptoms for 3 weeks.
To learn where you can make an appointment, we recommend using our Find a Doctor tool or calling the number on the back of your member ID card to get names of providers in your network.
Are sars-cov-2 antibody tests covered ? In NYS the antibody testing is now readily available , I am in a high risk household and want the answer asap please
For the duration of the COVID-19 health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will cover FDA-authorized antibody (serological) tests with no member cost share when ordered or administered by an attending healthcare provider (for Medicare members, tests can be ordered and/or administered by any health care professional who is authorized under state law).
Consultation with your health provider is very important as the FDA advises that antibody testing should not be used for diagnosis of COVID-19.
Will COVID-19 antibody tests be covered?
For the duration of the COVID-19 health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will cover FDA-authorized antibody (serological) tests with no member cost share when ordered or administered by an attending healthcare provider (for Medicare members, tests can be ordered and/or administered by any health care professional who is authorized under state law).
Consultation with your health provider is very important as the FDA advises that antibody testing should not be used for diagnosis of COVID-19.
Hello, Will Blue Cross cover the cost of the Quest "COVID-19 Immune Response" (Antibody) test if I were to purchase it myself and submit for reimbursement?
For the duration of the COVID-19 health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will cover FDA-authorized antibody (serological) tests with no member cost share when ordered or administered by an attending healthcare provider (for Medicare members, tests can be ordered and/or administered by any health care professional who is authorized under state law).
Consultation with your health provider is very important as the FDA advises that antibody testing should not be used for diagnosis of COVID-19.
Now that antibody testing is availble through labs like Quest and Labcorp, will you be covering these test since not everyone had access to Covid19 tests early on?
For the duration of the COVID-19 health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will cover FDA-authorized antibody (serological) tests with no member cost share when ordered or administered by an attending healthcare provider (for Medicare members, tests can be ordered and/or administered by any health care professional who is authorized under state law).
Consultation with your health provider is very important as the FDA advises that antibody testing should not be used for diagnosis of COVID-19.
Is serological testing for COVID-19 antibodies covered by BCBS?
For the duration of the COVID-19 health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will cover FDA-authorized antibody (serological) tests with no member cost share when ordered or administered by an attending healthcare provider (for Medicare members, tests can be ordered and/or administered by any health care professional who is authorized under state law).
Consultation with your health provider is very important as the FDA advises that antibody testing should not be used for diagnosis of COVID-19.
How can we know where we can be tested? Only places in BCBS network? If yes, how to find them. Your research tool is for providers only not hospitals
We recommend you use our Find a Doctor tool or call the number on the back of your member ID card to find a provider who can provide a test. https://www.bluecrossmn.com/find-a-doctor
Does my insurance cover COVID 19 Antibody Tests
For the duration of the COVID-19 health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will cover FDA-authorized antibody (serological) tests with no member cost share when ordered or administered by an attending healthcare provider (for Medicare members, tests can be ordered and/or administered by any health care professional who is authorized under state law).
Consultation with your health provider is very important as the FDA advises that antibody testing should not be used for diagnosis of COVID-19.
Will COVID-19 antibody tests be covered?
For the duration of the COVID-19 health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will cover FDA-authorized antibody (serological) tests with no member cost share when ordered or administered by an attending healthcare provider (for Medicare members, tests can be ordered and/or administered by any health care professional who is authorized under state law).
Consultation with your health provider is very important as the FDA advises that antibody testing should not be used for diagnosis of COVID-19.
Will COVID-19 antibody testing be covered at no-cost to members if performed through Quest or an approved lab?
For the duration of the COVID-19 health crisis, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota will cover FDA-authorized antibody (serological) tests with no member cost share when ordered or administered by an attending healthcare provider (for Medicare members, tests can be ordered and/or administered by any health care professional who is authorized under state law).
Consultation with your health provider is very important as the FDA advises that antibody testing should not be used for diagnosis of COVID-19.
If I am in a different state than Minnesota and get COVID, would my expenses be covered with a metro plus policy? Would there be a cap on expenses if I couldn’t get back to MN? Is there an option for domestic travel insurance?
Thanks for your questions. In order to answer any questions specific to your plan, you should call the number on the back of your member ID card. A member of our team will be happy to review all these details for you.
If I was exposed to a person who was diagnosed with covid 19 and I come down with syptoms, a doctor has to order the test for me in order for it to be paid?
That is correct. Blue Cross will cover FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests at no cost to the member when the test is ordered or administered by a licensed health care professional. Coverage for COVID-19 testing does not apply if the test is not ordered (virtually or in-person) or administered by a health care provider. More details are available at bluecrossmn.com/coronavirus. We also advise you call the number on the back of your card for any further questions specific to your plan.
Does insurance cover the ambulance ride to the ER and after hospital insurance covers the costs of the stay, we will be responsible for an out of pocket balance. Also, my husband went to the ER, diagnosis acute bronchitis due to Covid 19. He had to go back 2 days later and the virus had progressed to pneumonia due to Covid 19. Is that a covered diagnostic, the nurse told me to inform insurance that that was his primary diagnosis.
Jill, in order to answer questions specific to coverage, you will need to call the number of the back of your member ID card to get answers specific to your plan.
My wife and myself were tested on 11-19-2020. I was negative and my wife was positive.
Please tell me how often and how many test will be covered by BCBS?
Blue Cross will cover FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests at no cost to the member when the test is ordered or administered by a licensed health care professional. Coverage for COVID-19 testing does not apply if the test is not ordered (virtually or in-person) or administered by a health care provider. Please call the number on the back of your member ID card if you have any questions about testing coverage. More information is also available at http://www.bluecrossmn.com/coronavirus
I will be in Florida this winter. If I should feel symptoms and want a test, since I am not near a provider, can I just get a test and have it paid?
Blue Cross will cover FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests at no cost to the member when the test is ordered or administered by a licensed health care professional. More information is available at bluecrossmn.com/coronavirus.
My Wife and I are 79 and 84 so when will we be able to get a vaccine shot and if so will someone notify us. Auggie & Bernice
Once you are eligible to receive the vaccine, Blue Cross will provide coverage with no member cost-sharing for the administration of FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines. This is applicable for in-network and out-of-network providers in all 50 states for the duration of the public health emergency. We recommend you follow up with a provider in your area where you will be for more information on timing and eligibility for you to receive the vaccine as it becomes available.
My husband and I are traveling to Cabo in less than a week. According to the new travel restrictions, we need proof of a negative Covid 19 test in order to return home to the US. Will our test be covered in Mexico?
Please call the number on the back of your member ID card for questions specific to your coverage. Thank you!