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Need to stock up on at-home COVID tests kits?
Now more than ever it is important to take care of yourself and those around you. Many employees have returned to the office and many children are back in school. All health plans, including the State’s Group Insurance Program, are continually evaluating and updating the resources available as COVID-19 presents new challenges.
You now have two convenient ways to obtain at-home COVID-19 test kits, at no cost to you, and be ready for those days that you when you don’t feel well.
Get Tests Now at Your Pharmacy:
Enrolled members can obtain over-the-counter (OTC) rapid antigen test kits at any standard network pharmacy with no cost share (this includes Walgreens but does not include Fred Meyer/Kroger). Purchases are limited to no more than 8 tests per enrolled member per calendar month. Pharmacies may have limited stock on which tests are available.
A list of the FDA approved test kits that qualify for this benefit can be found on the FDA Website.
Get Reimbursed for Purchased Tests:
Enrolled members who purchase over-the-counter (OTC) rapid antigen tests will be able to seek reimbursement from the medical plan. Purchases are limited to no more than 8 tests per enrolled member per calendar month.
Members covered under the State’s health plan who buy FDA-authorized rapid antigen tests will be able to submit a paper claim form, with a receipt, for reimbursement to Blue Cross of Idaho. Tests can be purchased online, at a pharmacy, or at the store.
Use this member claim form for all COVID test reimbursements: OTC COVID Test Reimbursement Form
These programs may change as the Public Health Emergency (PHE) is continually reevaluated. Any updates will be communicated to all members.
Prevention: the act of stopping something from happening
Remember the old saying that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? This particularly rings true when it comes to preventive health care. Maintaining or improving your health is important – and a focus on regular preventive care, along with following the advice of your doctor, can help you stay healthy.
Did you know that there is no cost to enrolled members for listed preventive, screening and immunization services if you use an In-Network provider?
Annual adult preventive visits include physical exams and screenings such as blood glucose and cholesterol. Preventive services for children include routine and scheduled well-baby and well-child examinations.
Details about those preventive services that are covered by your medical plan at 100% and other services subject to co-pays and cost-sharing are available on the ‘Medical’ tab of the Office of Group Insurance website. Select and view the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) or plan contract for the plan type in which you are enrolled. You can also call customer service at the number on the back of your ID card for assistance.
Take advantage of this great benefit and schedule a preventive health care visit with your doctor today!
Do you need help finding a doctor? Log in to the Blue Cross of Idaho member portal to utilize the Find a Provider tool to locate an In-Network provider near you.
The Office of Group Insurance is committed to providing employees with details about the benefits available through the group insurance program. Visit the OGI website, https://ogi.idaho.gov, for resources and links to helpful benefit information.
More Reimbursable Items for Medical FSA
The recently enacted 2020 CARES ACT changes the provisions for purchasing of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or medicines. These changes apply to expenses that were incurred on or after January 1, 2020.
FSA plans are now allowed to reimburse over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or medicines, without a prescription. This includes items such as:
- aspirin
- antihistamines, and
- cough syrup
Items purchased to support general health, such as vitamins and supplements, still require documentation that the item was prescribed.
In addition, menstrual care products qualify as an eligible expenses. Menstrual care products include items such as tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges, or similar products.
Buying these items using the Navia debit card may not immediately work, as all the stores have to update their internal coding so the items flag as eligible. If employees have difficulty with the debit card, they can submit the receipt as a claim for reimbursement.
Keep in mind that Open Enrollment is right around the corner. This is the time each year to enroll or re-enroll for flexible spending accounts without a qualifying event. Look for information from your HR offices later this month. For more information about how flexible spending accounts work, visit the OGI Flexible Spending webpage.