Page 7 - Retiree News Summer 2020

Important information for Empire Plan enrollees during the COVID-19 pandemic
Testing is vital to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Various state and federal mandates have been passed to remove financial barriers and make services more accessible to those requiring services.
In New York State, eligible New Yorkers can receive testing at sites run by the state by calling the NYS COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065. Individuals who go to test sites operated by local governments, private companies, including pharmacies and medical practices or not-for-profit organizations, are recommended to check fees with the testing site and discuss any questions with your health plan.
More than 60 million people ages 65 and older and younger adults with long-term disabilities are covered by Medicare. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Medicare recipients could have a higher likelihood of experiencing serious medical conditions due to COVID-19. Medicare is overseen by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). During the COVID-19 emergency, CMS has updated coverage which enables Medicare beneficiaries more access to services.
Contact information for Medicare beneficiaries:
• 1-800-MEDICARE
• www.medicare.gov
• CMS COVID-19 fact sheet:
https://www.cms.gov/files/ document/03052020-medicare- covid-19-fact-sheet.pdf
• Medicare Rights Center: 1-800- 333-4114
Here are some important enhancements in place for Empire Plan enrollees and dependents:
Telehealth visits for non-COVID-19-related health concerns
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Empire Plan participating providers have offered patients access to virtual medical visits via telehealth using smartphones, tablets or PCs. Co-payments
for these telehealth visits with participating providers have been waived for the state and federal emergency periods.
• The co-payment waiver is only for Empire Plan participating providers offering telehealth visits (limited to the emergency periods).
Empire Plan Telemedicine Program
access to medication during this time, Prior Authorizations (PA) for most medications
that would otherwise expire between March 23 and July 25, 2020, are extended for 90 days. For instance, if a PA is set to expire on July 1, the expiration date will be extended to Oct. 1. These extensions will not apply for controlled substances, medications that involve a defined duration or use, or a maximum duration of therapy. Free home delivery through many chain pharmacies. If
an enrollee does not wish to pick up medication at a retail store, many chain pharmacies, including CVS, Kinney Drugs, Rite Aid and Walgreens are offering free home delivery of medications. The Empire Plan also offers Mail Service. Empire Plan Mail Service Program. For more information on the Empire Plan’s mail order prescription program through CVS Caremark, call 1-800-378-5697 or visit www.caremark.com and select the “prescriptions” link to get started and then click “start mail service.” CVS will reach out to your doctor for a new 90-day prescription to be filled through mail service.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program
• myStrength Online Emotional
Health Program. Empire Plan enrollees and dependents are reminded that Beacon Health is offering free access to
their myStrength COVID-19 website and app content. Beacon Health’s myStrength has an extensive library of articles, videos, and eLearning programs that are aimed at helping members navigate new COVID-19 challenges such as heightened levels of stress and/ or anxiety, feelings of isolation, and other challenges currently being faced.
• Enrollees and covered dependents have free access to the COVID-19 content from May 1, 2020 to September 30, 2020. (You must register by August 31 to have access in September).
• Registration is quick, and the website is easy to navigate. myStrength is secure and confidential. Register at: https://bh.mystrength.com/ beaconcovidsupport.
Questions and resources
• Questions or concerns regarding your Empire Plan benefits can be addressed
by calling The Empire Plan toll free at 1-877-769-7447 and selecting the option for the appropriate program.
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Empire Plan enrollees and dependents are reminded they have 24/7 access to the Empire Plan’s telemedicine program through LiveHealth Online. Telemedicine services through LiveHealth Online are not limited to medical visits. Virtual mental health visits
are also available. These services are provided with no out-of-pocket costs during this pandemic. Additional information is available by calling the Empire Plan at 1-877-769-7447 and select option 2 for the Hospital Program or visiting www.empireblue.com/nys.
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SUMMER 2020
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Empire Plan Prescription Drug Program modifications
• Emergency Refills: A maximum
of three emergency, 30-day refills per prescription are now available.
• Prior authorization extension for 90 days. To ensure that Empire Plan enrollees and covered dependents have