COVID-19 Information Center

Effective July 1, 2021 some services may require pre-authorization. Please refer to Services Requiring Pre-authorization.

Medically necessary COVID-19 diagnostic testing, medical screening services and/or treatment and the associated physician’s visit will be covered when ordered, referred and/or performed in the following In-Network locations:

• Physician’s/Practitioner’s Office
• Independent Laboratory/Diagnostic Facility
• Urgent Care Facility
• Emergency Department Facility

Are you unsure if you have been exposed to or are at-risk of being infected with COVID-19? Schedule a virtual care visit with a provider. It is a good option for non-urgent care to limit potential exposure in a physician’s office or other healthcare facility.

As of July 1, 2023, COVID-19 home test kits are no longer covered by your benefit plan. The treatment of COVID-19 is covered and member cost sharing will apply. Please refer to your Plan Documents for network and cost sharing details.

NOTE: Out-of-network providers may balance bill the member. This means they may charge you for any difference between the maximum amount allowed by QualChoice and the amount they charge for the care. Discuss balance billing with your provider if choosing out-of-network care.

Any medically necessary treatment related to COVID-19 would be considered a covered benefit. We are committed to ensuring access to COVID-19 treatment services in accordance with federal and state law. Member cost sharing will apply. Please refer to Plan Documents.

There are now vaccinations available that will give you the best chance of protecting yourself and your loved ones from getting COVID-19 in the future. Some COVID-19 vaccines will have two doses a few weeks in between each shot. You will get a COVID-19 Vaccination Reminder Card that will help you keep track of which vaccine you receive and when to get a second dose, if needed. If you receive a vaccine that requires two doses, it is important to get both doses.

The vaccine is being administered to different populations in a tiered approach. When you are able to get the vaccine, call your doctor with any questions and ask when you can make an appointment with them or at your local pharmacy. Or, find out where to get your vaccine at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines or vaccinefinder.org.

While QualChoice does not require members to get a COVID-19 vaccine, getting your COVID-19 vaccine will give you the best chance of protecting yourself and your loved ones from getting COVID-19 in the future. Some employers may require their employees to be vaccinated.

Even if you have already had COVID-19, you should still get the vaccine. It may be possible to be infected more than once so getting the vaccine is a safe choice.

COVID-19 vaccines are considered safe for children ages six months and older. Please refer to the CDC's recommendations for detailed guidance.

According to the CDC, people who are pregnant and part of a group to receive the COVID-19 vaccine may choose to be vaccinated. If you have questions about getting the vaccine, it is recommended to discuss with your doctor to make an informed decision.

The CDC announced on March 8 that fully vaccinated Americans can discontinue masking and social distancing with other fully vaccinated people indoors in small groups. Or, visiting with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors.

Fully vaccinated is considered two weeks past final dose, meaning the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer mRNA vaccine, or, two weeks past the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.

If you are fully vaccinated and have a known exposure to someone with COVID-19, the CDC says that you may refrain from quarantine and testing if you are asymptomatic. It is recommended to continue to monitor for symptoms for 14 days.

The safety of the COVID-19 vaccine is a top priority! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials and authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the expected benefits outweigh potential risks. COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large clinical trials to make sure they meet safety standards.

You may run a fever after you get the vaccine. This is normal as your body builds immunity and fights off future COVID-19 exposures. You may feel sick after getting vaccinated. You could develop a fever, headache or body aches. This is your body reacting to the vaccine, which is a normal response. It is important to know that it is impossible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The vaccines currently in use and others being developed do not contain a live virus.

As of July 1, 2023, the treatment of COVID-19 is covered and member cost sharing will apply. Please refer to your Plan Documents for network and cost sharing details for vaccines.

NOTE: Out-of-network providers may balance bill the member. This means they may charge you for any difference between the maximum amount allowed by QualChoice and the amount they charge for the care. Discuss balance billing with your provider if choosing out-of-network care.

Please call the administering facility/provider you received your first dose from to ask about your vaccine information and verify your second appointment/location.

The provider should have scheduled a second appointment with you at the same facility when you received the first dose. However, you can receive your second dose from another provider/facility and you should present your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.

Worry and anxiety can rise about the spread of COVID-19. Concern for friends and family who live in places where COVID-19 is spreading or the progression of the disease is natural.

• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
• Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships and a sense of hope and positive thinking.
• Share the facts about COVID-19 and the actual risk to others. People who have returned from areas of ongoing spread more than 14 days ago and do not have symptoms of COVID-19 do not put others at risk.
• For more information, see the CDC’s suggestions for mental health and coping during COVID-19

• Be alert for patients who meet the criteria for persons under investigation and know how to coordinate laboratory testing.
• Review your infection prevention and control policies and CDC's recommendations for healthcare facilities for COVID-19.
• Know how to report a potential COVID-19 case or exposure to facility infection control leads and public health officials. Contact your local and/or state health department to notify necessary health officials in the event of a person under investigation for COVID-19.
• Refer to the CDC and the World Health Organization for the most up-to-date recommendations about COVID-19, including signs and symptoms, diagnostic testing and treatment information.

The Public Health Emergency (PHE) is ending May 11, 2023. If you have questions or would like to speak to one of our customer service representatives, please call us at 1-800-235-7111 (TTY: 711) at 1-800-228-7111 (TTY: 711). Thank you for your continued partnership in helping our members live better.

The Public Health Emergency is ending May 11, 2023. Please refer to QualChoice's medical policies and member I.D. card for cost sharing details. If you have additional questions, please contact QualChoice at 1-800-235-7111 or 501-228-7111.

The Public Health Emergency is ending May 11, 2023. Please refer to QualChoice's medical policies and member I.D. card for benefits. If you have additional questions, please contact QualChoice at 1-800-235-7111 or 501-228-7111.