Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and resources

Premium payment waivers will apply to the following members:

• BadgerCare Plus children
• Medicaid Purchase Plan
• BadgerCare Plus childless adults (adults ages 19-64 who are not pregnant and do not have dependent children living in their home)

Starting in April 2020, ForwardHealth will not be charging monthly premiums for BadgerCare Plus children, Medicaid Purchase Plan, or BadgerCare Plus childless adult members. You will get a refund if you already paid your April premium and do not owe outstanding premiums.

If you have auto-pay set up for your monthly premium, you do not need to make any changes. ForwardHealth will not be charging your account during this time.

ForwardHealth sent you a letter to let you know of this change. They will send you another letter to let you know when you need to start paying premiums again.

Due to COVID-19, ForwardHealth may have extended your renewal date. If you have any questions about your renewal, call ForwardHealth Member Services at 800-362-3002.

Keep your address and phone number up to date. Your health is important to us and we don’t want you to miss important renewal updates. If you moved recently or changed your phone number, you can easily report this by: 
•    Logging in to your secure ACCESS account. 
•    Calling ForwardHealth at 800-362-3002. 

Download the free MyACCESS mobile app to receive the latest renewal alerts.
 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized some COVID-19 vaccines and is working quickly to approve others. Learn more here.

Each state will decide how and when to distribute vaccines. People at most risk of contracting COVID-19 or developing complications of illness will likely receive vaccinations first. Right now, the CDC recommends that healthcare workers and residents of nursing homes and long-term-care facilities be the first Americans to receive the vaccine. Vaccination should be more widely available in early to mid-2021. We will keep you updated.

The CDC is working closely with state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments to make sure vaccines are available.

No. If you have Medicare, Medicaid or CHIP, you won’t have to pay for your COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccination will help keep you from getting COVID-19. Many thousands of people across the United States took part in research trials over many months. These trials show the FDA whether a vaccine is safe and effective, which it must be certain of before it will authorize or approve a vaccine for public use.

Researchers studied vaccine reactions and potential side effects throughout the trials. Their studies will continue after the vaccine receives approval. The FDA, CDC, and vaccine manufacturers will continue to monitor safety and quality.

Medicaid: If you have Medicaid with us, you can activate your online account to get updates on COVID-19 vaccines.

Download the Anthem Medicaid app from Google Play or the App Store.

 

Medicare: If you have Medicare with us, you can activate your online account or download the Sydney app from Google Play or the App Store.

Yes. Even if you’ve already had COVID-19, you could still benefit from the vaccine. You can talk to your primary care provider to see what they recommend. The CDC also has information about the benefits of the vaccine.

An airway and lung infection, similar to a cold.

Similar to a cold or the flu. Mild to severe fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after being around someone who has COVID-19.

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at cdc.gov/coronavirus for up-to-date information. If you are traveling, visit cdc.gov for the CDC’s most current travel guidelines.

Good health habits can also help prevent and fight COVID-19. Here are some tips:

• Washing your hands is the best way to avoid getting sick:
  • Wash often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • If you can’t use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean and disinfect items and surfaces you touch often with regular household cleaning spray or a wipe.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and throw away the tissue.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Older adults, people with disabilities, and people with diabetes or who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. We will support you and help you get the care you need.

If you’re caring for someone, be sure visitors take care to avoid causing any extra risk to you or them – keep hand sanitizer by the door, or ask visitors to wash their hands. Wash your hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer before and after touching or feeding someone, or touching any mobility devices or equipment.

Here’s what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about wearing a facemask.

Call your doctor if you develop a fever, have a cough, or have difficulty breathing. Tell them if you’ve been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19, or if you live in or have been to an area where the virus has spread.

Your plan will pay for telehealth visits with your doctor.

Can’t reach your doctor? Call our 24/7 NurseLine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at the number on your ID card.

As an Anthem member, you do not have to pay anything for the COVID-19 test or the doctor visit to get the test. The visit and test are covered whether you get care in a doctor’s office, urgent care center or emergency department.

No, prior authorization is not required for COVID-19 testing.

You should try to see your Primary care physician (PCP) or a doctor in your plan. If your doctor offers telehealth visits, your plan will pay for those, too.

We will pay for care you get from doctors outside your plan (called “out of network”) as long as the services are medically needed.

No. If you have Medicaid from us, your plan covers sick visits and tests.

Do you have medicines you take regularly? Call the Pharmacy Member Services number on your ID card to find out about your options.

Your health is important. Try to keep taking your medicines as prescribed, and get your refills on time.