[Ucrea] Medical Plan Updates – COVID-19 Self Tests

[Cristina L Otegui]

[cid:image001.png at 01D86EC2.74E20570]

May 23, 2022
To:
UCR Emeriti & Retirees

From:
UCR Benefits Office on Behalf of UC Office of the President (UCOP)

Re:
Medical Plan Updates – COVID-19 Self Tests

UCOP received additional information to follow-up on the previously-sent communication on February 3, 2022 which can be viewed at, https://hr.ucr.edu/benefits-announcement-news/2022/02/16/february-update-home-over-counter-covid-19-tests. On April 4, 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that Medicare will begin to cover up to 8 at-home OTC COVID-19 antigen tests per calendar month. This initiative will run through the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency for individuals with Medicare Part B enrollment.

In addition to the Medicare initiative, some of the UC Medicare plans will continue to cover the at-home OTC COVID-19 tests as a supplemental benefit.

·        Prescriptions by Navitus (Anthem Medicare PPO Plans) will cover up to 8 additional free at-home OTC COVID-19 tests as a supplemental benefit through 5/31/22.  After May 31, 2022, Anthem PPO members may obtain up to 8 free at-home OTC COVID-19 tests under the Medicare Part B initiative.

·        The Kaiser Medicare Seniority Advantage HMO plan will cover up to 8 additional free at-home OTC COVID-19 tests as a supplemental benefit through the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

·        UC Medicare Choice administered by UnitedHealthcare will not provide coverage for at-home OTC COVID-19 tests.  Members may obtain up to 8 free at-home OTC COVID-19 tests under the Medicare Part B initiative.

·        Via Benefits members should contact their plans directly for more information.

The Medical Plan Provider COVID-19 Chart updates as of April 29, 2022 which includes COVID-19 PCR tests, treatments and services can be viewed at: https://emeriti-retirees.ucr.edu/document/4292022-medical-plan-response-covid.

Medicare Plan members can purchase tests under the Medicare Part B initiative

·        Participating pharmacies must be used and members must present their red, white and blue Medicare card at pharmacy counters when purchasing tests at no cost.

·        Medicare cannot reimburse claims for tests that are paid out-of-pocket or from non-participating pharmacies.

·        For more information on the Medicare Part B initiative and a partial list of participating pharmacies, please visit https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/medicare-covers-over-counter-covid-19-tests, and https://www.medicare.gov/medicare-coronavirus#300  and scroll down to COVID-19 Over-the-Counter (OTC) tests, “How do I get these tests?”

Anthem Medicare PPO or Kaiser Senior Advantage can purchase as a supplemental benefit

·        Members of the Anthem Medicare PPO or the Kaiser Senior Advantage plans may purchase additional tests under the UC Medicare plans by using the plans’ preferred pharmacy networks and presenting their medical card.

·        Members may submit claims for tests purchased with out-of-pocket costs for plan reimbursement.

UC non-Medicare plan members may continue to purchase up to 8 at-home OTC COVID-19 antigen tests per individual per 30-day period at no cost through their plans under the Federal guidance.

Information on the COVID-19 booster
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance for those who may receive a second booster dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. The guidance includes the following groups who received their first booster dose at least 4 months ago:

·        Age 50 and older.

·        Age 12 and older and moderately to severely immunocompromised.

·        Any recipient of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for both the primary dose and booster.

·        Age 50 years and older who first received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of the booster received.

For more information on the COVID-19 booster, please visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html or contact your medical plan provider directly using the telephone number on the back of your card.



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