Coronavirus COVID-19 - Highmark

Question 1

What are the symptoms of the Coronavirus, or COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms appear 2-14 days after exposure, and include fever, cough, shortness of breath.

Question 2

When should I see my doctor?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19, or if you are experiencing fever, cough, or shortness of breath, should contact their primary care physician or healthcare provider immediately.

Question 3

How do I get tested?

Accepted Answer

Contact your doctor, health care provider, or local county health department. They will use CDC guidelines to determine if testing is warranted. There are a few ways that a lab may get a sample for testing.
Swab test. A health care provider will use a special swab to take a sample from your nose or throat.
Nasal aspirate. A health care provider will inject a saline solution into your nose, then remove the sample with gentle suction.
Tracheal aspirate. A health care provider will put a thin, lighted tube called a bronchoscope down your mouth and into your lungs, where a sample will be collected.
Sputum test. Sputum is a thick mucus that is coughed up from the lungs. You may be asked to cough up sputum into a special cup, or a special swab may be used to take a sample from your nose.
Blood. A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm.

Question 4

Where can I get tested?

Accepted Answer

Contact your primary care physician for testing options. Testing is completed at the State Department of Health (DOH) and will be brought into facilities once tests are available. Test results are made available within 24 hours of the State DOH receiving the test kit.

Question 5

When will a vaccine be available?

Accepted Answer

Estimates range between 6-18 months. No vaccine is currently available.

Question 6

Is there a treatment?

Accepted Answer

There is no antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should seek medical care to help relieve symptoms, such as receiving a fever reducer.

Question 7

Who is most susceptible to COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

The CDC has not yet identified any factors that would increase an individualís risk of acquiring COVID-19. However, the very young and elderly, pregnant woman, or people with compromised immunity (i.e. Recent surgeries, cancer, etc.) are at higher risk of complications if infected with COVID-19.

Question 8

How do I schedule an appointment to get tested?

Accepted Answer

Contact your primary care physician. He or she will complete a travel and exposure screening to help best determine if further testing is required.

Question 9

What kind of doctor do I go see to get tested?

Accepted Answer

Your primary care physician will be able to help you. If you donít have a doctor, visit your member website or call Member Services at the number on the back of your insurance card to identify an in-network doctor.

Question 10

I'm sick - should I quarantine myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes, stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Question 11

Can I go directly to an ER? Do I call first?

Accepted Answer

In case of emergency contact 911. It is recommended to call the ER or Urgent care facility so they can prepare for your arrival. Mild cases of COVID-19 are often treated symptomatically from home or through outpatient services instead of a visit to an acute care facility.

Question 12

Do I have a virtual care benefit?

Accepted Answer

That will depend on your plan type. Please log into your member portal for co-pay and coverage options. Virtual care, or video visit, is a great way to avoid leaving home when you are ill and still receive medical assistance.

Question 13

How can I get extra prescriptions filled during the spread of the Coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

Many plans do allow 90 day fills for certain medications; however, others limit to a 30 or 34 day supply. Medication quantity limits may also apply. If you are interested in receiving a 90 day supply of medication, check your benefits and then have a conversation with your primary care physician to determine if a 90 day supply is appropriate.

Question 14

Is Coronavirus testing covered by my plan?

Accepted Answer

All illness care related to the virus would follow the standard medical policy medical benefits. Just as if you were sick with any other illness- copayments and deductibles may apply.

Question 15

How much will coronavirus testing cost me?

Accepted Answer

At Highmark, COVID-19 testing is a covered benefit just like a test for the seasonal flu. It is covered as a diagnostic procedure by our insurance. Co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles will apply based on your health plan benefits.

Question 16

I am pregnant; should I still travel?

Accepted Answer

CDC recommends avoiding all non-critical travel.

Question 17

I travel for work, when should I cancel it?

Accepted Answer

Contact your employerís Human Resources department for guidelines. CDC recommends avoiding all non-critical travel.

Question 18

Do I need to purchase face masks?

Accepted Answer

No, Follow CDCís recommendations for using a facemask. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. However, the use of facemasks is crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Question 19

Does my insurance cover me if I get sick when I travel

Accepted Answer

Yes, see coverage options at your member website or your plan app or call Member Services at the number on the back of your insurance card. This number is specific to your plan and benefits, and it helps you receive the right answers faster.

Question 20

Who can I contact at Highmark with questions about my benefits or insurance coverage?

Accepted Answer

Call the telephone number on the back of your insurance card for Member Services. This number is specific to your plan and benefits, and it helps you receive the right answers faster.

Question 21

Are testing kits available in my local market? If not when will they be available?

Accepted Answer

COVID-19 testing kits are in limited supply and this issue is being addressed by federal, state, and local officials across the nation.

Question 22

Will it cost me anything to get a test? (NY State has talked about demanding that co-pays/ co-insurance for any visit related to COVID-19 are waived)

Accepted Answer

Currently in PA, DE, and WV, testing for the Coronavirus is covered as a diagnostic procedure by your insurance. Co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles will apply based on your health plan benefits.

Question 23

Do we know anything more about cases within PA, WV, DE?

Accepted Answer

You can find out about Coronavirus cases in your community through the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) websites which are updated daily. (See the ìOfficial Sitesî list above.)

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