COVID-19 Health Resources
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand that these are uncertain and stressful times in our world. Faculty and staff covered by Loyola's medical plans have access to extra benefits through Aetna to help support good health during this challenging time. In addition, read this April 13 communication sent to faculty and staff regarding the CARES Act and Your Employee Benefits.
Aetna members have access to the following resources:
- Aetna is waiving co-pays and cost sharing for all diagnostic testing and doctor visits related to COVID-19 testing. There is no limit to the number of COVID-19 tests covered under the plan. This coverage requirement began on March 18, 2020 (when the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was enacted) and remains in effect while there is a declared public health emergency (as defined under federal law).
- Where Can I get tested?
- CVS Health COVID-19 Self-Swab Testing is available at no cost.
- CVS Health: 17 Illinois Drive-Thru Test Sites
- A complete list of the testing sites located across the country can be found here.
- Until June 4, 2020, Aetna waived member cost sharing for any covered telemedicine visits — regardless of diagnosis.
- All behavioral and mental health telemedicine visits will have the cost sharing waived through September 30, which has now been extended through December 31, 2020 and extended again until 1/31/2021.
- Through Aetna's Healing Better program, members who are diagnosed with COVID-19 will receive a care package containing CVS over-the-counter medications to help relieve symptoms.
- Through existing care management programs, Aetna will proactively reach out to members most at-risk for COVID-19.
- Aetna is extending its Medicare Advantage virtual evaluation and monitoring visit benefit to all Aetna members as a fully-covered benefit.
View the COVID-19 Aetna Health Resources for a complete list and more details. Aetna's COVID-19 website also contains additional information.
As a reminder, the LUC.edu/coronavirus site has a number of resources available, including CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and a list of tips for managing anxiety caused by the spread of COVID-19. Additional emotional support resources are also available through Perspectives, our Employee Assistance Program.
CVS Health announced COVID-19 resources for Aetna members on March 6, 2020. View the announcement for more information.
Learn more about the CVS Health: 17 Illinois Test Sites. In addition, a complete list of the testing sites located across the country can be found here.
- Over-the-counter health care products as eligible expenses
The CARES Act permanently reinstated over-the-counter drugs and medicines as eligible expenses for Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) funds without a prescription. (Under the Affordable Care Act, only drugs and medicines that required a prescription were eligible for reimbursement.) This change takes place for over-the-counter drugs and medicines purchased dating back to January 1, 2020.
- Feminine care products as eligible expenses
The CARES Act also includes feminine care products such as tampons and pads to be considered eligible expenses for HSA, FSA, and HRA funds. This change takes place for feminine care products purchased dating back to January 1, 2020.
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COVID-19 testing covered at no costThe CARES Act clarifies that all testing for COVID-19 is to be covered by private insurance plans (fully-insured and self-insured) without cost sharing. Coverage extends to any services or items provided during a medical visit—including an in-person or telehealth visit to a doctor’s office, an urgent care center, or an emergency room—that results in COVID-19 testing or screening. This coverage requirement began on March 18, 2020 (when the Families First Coronavirus Response Act was enacted) and remains in effect only while there is a declared public health emergency (as defined under federal law).
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law on March 18, 2020. The implications to healthcare coverage for Loyola Medical Plan members is that in addition to the cost of the COVID-19 test, plans must cover the cost of a health care provider, urgent care center, or emergency room visit that results in the ordering or administration of a test for COVID-19. Coverage must be provided with no cost-sharing by the member. Aetna was already waiving for the cost share for the COVID-19 test and ER services, but has been expanded to urgent care cost-sharing as a result of this act.