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  • COVID-19 Updates

Email 9 Dec 23rd 2020

Message #9

December 23, 2020

Dear Martin’s Point Generations Advantage Member,

The Promise of COVID-19 Vaccines

Last week we received the long-awaited news of the approval and authorization of both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use in the US. With this news, comes renewed hope that we have two powerful weapons in the fight against this destructive pandemic.

Initial vaccine supplies are very limited and have been prioritized for high-risk groups through CDC guidance. Once COVID-19 vaccines are available in your community, it will be covered by Medicare. For current information about the COVID-19 vaccine visit our COVID-19 vaccine page on our website. 

Staying Safe in the Meantime

While we wait for the positive effects of widespread vaccination, it’s important to continue to do what we can NOW to stay as safe as possible and limit the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to wash your hands frequently, wear a face mask at all times while out in public and maintain social distancing whenever possible. 

Your Health is more important than Ever

There are a few important things you can do now to protect your health. 

  1. Get your flu shot if you haven’t already.
  2. Connect with your provider if you have delayed important preventive health visits or are managing a chronic condition.
  3. Take advantage of telehealth visits, if appropriate, and curbside prescription pick-up (available at most pharmacies).
  4. Tap into mental health support resources. The extended isolation and disruption of holiday traditions is hard on everyone. Reach out to friends and family if you’re feeling down and contact your provider if you would like a referral to a mental health professional. It’s important to know you are not alone and help is available.

COVID-19 Testing and Coverage
 
Testing

Medically necessary viral (diagnostic) COVID-19 tests as well as antibody (serologic) tests are covered at no cost to you. This includes the collection of the sample and the lab analysis. There is no frequency limit on testing. If you feel you should be tested for COVID-19 you can reach out to your primary care provider (PCP) to discuss your options. You can also find up-to-date testing site locations and information in your area by visiting 211.org or dialing 211. 

Face Masks for Protection

Face masks are covered under the Wellness Wallet and subject to your benefit maximum. Masks must be purchased through a website, retail store, or Durable Medical Equipment (DME) provider. The approved benefit includes:

  • Cloth masks
  • Surgical masks are now covered (limit 50 per month to reserve supplies for health care workers and medical first responders).
  • Other exclusions: N95 respirators, homemade cloth mask supplies.
  • Use the Wellness Wallet reimbursement form found on our website 

For additional COVID-19 related coverage information visit our COVID-19 information page. 

Home for the Holidays

With cases of COVID-19 spiking across the country, one of the best ways you can keep yourself, your family, and your friends safe is to stay right where you all are—no matter where that may be. The CDC is strongly discouraging travel at this time, when cases of COVID are reaching unprecedented highs.

The CDC COVID Data Tracker contains state-by-state data on COVID-19. 

Best wishes for healthy holidays!

Daniel McCormack
Chief Operating Officer