COVID-19: What you should know

We want to keep you in-the-know about the most recent changes to OEBB benefits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moda Health would like to keep you informed with the most-up-to-date information as it relates to your health and benefits regarding the novel coronavirus (respiratory illness) COVID-19.

To keep everyone safe, providers may:

• Keep following social distancing rules
• Ask patients to wear a mask
• Check all patients’ temperatures

If you need care that was delayed because of COVID-19, call your provider to schedule an appointment. Your provider may also call you to schedule treatment.

If you already have a provider and need to get care from home, call them to learn about their telehealth options.

If you need to find a provider, you can search for one using the Find Care tool in your Member Dashboard. If you have questions or need help finding a provider, call us at 866-923-0409.

Your benefits

Cost sharing is waived for COVID-19 vaccines.

Cost sharing is waived for COVID-19 testing needs, including:

• A telehealth visit to be evaluated for COVID-19 testing
• Provider office visit, urgent care center visit or emergency room visit to be tested for COVID-19
• COVID-19 lab tests for all testing facilities
• Serological antibody tests
• If you are enrolled on a high-deductible health plan (HDHP or an HSA-eligible HDHP), the above services are covered at no cost share with the deductible waived.

This is applicable to in-network and out-of-network providers, facilities and laboratories.

Members enrolled on a high deductible health plan (Medical Plans 6 or 7), the above services are also covered at no member cost share with the deductible waived.

Member cost-sharing is also waived for the in-network treatment of COVID-19, both inpatient and outpatient, and FDA-approved medications administered inpatient for the treatment of COVID-19, for services received April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021. Terms of coverage otherwise apply, including eligibility and medical necessity.

COVID-19 vaccine

Good news! COVID-19 vaccine is covered at no cost (i.e., copayments, coinsurance and deductibles).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization for two vaccines thus far. The COVID-19 vaccines are the best shot we have at putting an end to the pandemic. Both vaccines have been thoroughly tested and are 95% effective.

The FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines are only available to certain groups at this time. Please visit covidvaccine.oregon.gov to see when you can get vaccinated.

How does vaccination work?
When our bodies encounter viruses or bacteria that they do not recognize, they develop antibodies to fight them. We get sick when our body cannot work fast enough to develop antibodies. Vaccinations help prevent illnesses by developing antibodies so our bodies can recognize and fight disease.

Same safety precautions. Speedier production.
How do we know the COVID-19 vaccines are safe? Developers of these vaccines followed all steps the FDA normally requires for vaccine production. The only difference is that the COVID-19 vaccines were given priority review and moved to the front of the production line.

In public health emergencies, the vaccine development process may be prioritized and expedited. This was the case with COVID-19. The U.S. government brought government agencies, international counterparts, academia, nonprofit organizations, and pharmaceutical companies together to develop a coordinated strategy. The government was also allowed to invest in the necessary manufacturing capacity which made it possible for companies to develop and distribute the vaccines faster than normal. See the attached graphic to learn more about the typical stages of vaccine development and the accelerated COVID-19 vaccine development.

Questions about COVID-19 vaccines?
Please see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for facts about the available vaccines: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits/facts.html.

Ready to get vaccinated?
It is more important than ever to protect your body from illnesses that can be prevented. Vaccinations not only protect the person who gets them, but also help keep diseases from spreading to others. They have greatly reduced infectious diseases that once regularly harmed or killed many infants, children, and adults. But, the viruses or bacteria that cause vaccine-preventable diseases still exist and can be spread to people who are not protected by vaccines. To find out what vaccines to get and when, visit cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/parents-adults/resources-adults.html.

How to protect yourself

Everyday preventive actions that help prevent spreading respiratory viruses are the first step in protecting yourself and those around you.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• 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

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

If you think you are infected

If you are experiencing symptoms of novel coronavirus, such as fever, dry cough or shortness of breath, or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, we recommend calling your doctor immediately or contacting Cirrus MD, for no cost sharing telehealth services.

Additional Resources

• Text a doctor – CirrusMD

If you still have questions about COVID-19 and how it could affect you, the CDC has official responses to frequently asked questions on its website. While there is still relatively little known about COVID-19 and its spread, it is important to arm yourself with information from credible health care sources on the front lines of studying this virus, such as the CDC and the Oregon Health Authority.