Everything You Need to Know About COVID-19, and More

As COVID-19 progresses, the stress and anxiety continue. This continues to leave more questions than answers. Whether you are taking care of yourself, your family or your employees, we are here to help manage your anxiety at home and work.

Know the facts

The coronavirus family of viruses range from the common cold to more severe diseases. COVID-19, named for the year it was detected, is a respiratory infection that can spread from person to person. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. 

To avoid myths about the virus, try to limit your media intake to credible resources only, i.e., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The CDC and WHO suggest myriad ways to protect yourself, including social distancing, washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and avoiding touching your face. 

Testing is covered

The International Health Fund (IHF) covers medically necessary COVID-19 testing (diagnostic and antibody) at no cost-share ($0 copay) for covered members during the national public health emergency period. To do so, tests must be FDA-authorized. Thanks to its UnitedHealthcare (UHC) partnership, IHF is waiving cost-sharing for the doctor visit related to COVID-19 testing (diagnostic and antibody related). The copay applies to health care provider, urgent care center, emergency department or telehealth visits. Remember to bring your UnitedHealthcare member ID card and to keep your primary care provider updated on any care received.

What to do if you have symptoms

If you believe you have been exposed or have COVID-19 symptoms, call your provider immediately. You also can use our Buoy Technology powered COVID-19 Symptom Checker (www.myuhc.com) to test for the virus and assess appropriate actions. 

How to find services

If you need tested, your health care provider can help. Once a test is ordered, there are myriad approved locations for testing. 

Log onto www.myuhc.com to find a testing location in your area. Locations are updated daily. Remember, some locations may not be in your plan’s network. IHF will only cover FDA-authorized tests. Remember to use your member ID card to help with the reimbursement process. 

There are two types of tests available for COVID-19—viral and antibody:

• A viral test informs you if you have a current infection.
• An antibody test determines if you may have had a past infection. It does not indicate if you are infected because it can take one to three weeks for your body to make antibodies after being infected. While antibodies may provide protection from reinfection, doctors have not discovered how much protection antibodies provide or how long the protection lasts.

IHF Virtual Visit Services at $0 Copay

While virtual services cannot detect a virus infection, they can help determine if a test is needed and where to get one. All IHF members are covered. Telehealth options include:

• $0 Virtual Visits through our designated partners: Teladoc, AmericanWell and Doctor’s On Demand. All deductibles, copays and coinsurance will be waived until September 30, 2020. 
• $0 Local telehealth visits with your medical provider: Your cost-sharing obligation out-of-network telehealth visits related to testing was waived July 24, 2020. In-network-only virus-related telehealth visits will be waived until September 30, 2020.

Virtual visits can be used for a range of health services and to prescribe medication in some cases.