To combat the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and ensure that City employees and their dependents have access to critical medical care, the City will make available new resources. These resources are available to you and your dependents effective immediately.
ACCESS TO TELEHEALTH SERVICES
City employees and their dependents enrolled in the City’s Healthcare Plans will have access to Telehealth services.
Telehealth visits currently include 2-way, live interactive telephone communication and digital video consultations, which can allow concerned members to connect with their physicians while reducing the risk of exposure to contagious viruses or further illness.
The coverage for these services is temporary and will end on December 31, 2020 or the date the state of emergency declaration by the State of Illinois expires (if earlier).
Telehealth services will only be covered as follows:
- When all other Plan provisions are met, including medical necessity, and
- When provided in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) will allow all medical providers that are eligible to bill for Telehealth services to do so for COVID-19 or other eligible claims for other diagnoses. Plan co-pays and deductibles would apply should an employee and/or his/her dependents elect to use Telehealth services.
PRESCRIPTION BENEFITS
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread, we understand you may have concerns about accessing prescription medications – especially if you or loved ones have a chronic or complex condition. CVS Caremark®is taking steps to protect your access to medication and we encourage you to refill maintenance medications with a 90-day supply or up to the plan maximum.
Here is some additional information about your CVS Caremark pharmacy benefits we hope is useful to you. You may take advantage of:
Relaxed refill restrictions. We are temporarily waiving early refill limits on 30-day prescriptions for maintenance medications at any in-network pharmacy. You can now fill maintenance medication prescriptions ahead of schedule. Restrictions apply (e.g. opioid prescriptions).
Free home delivery. CVS Pharmacy® has waived charges for home delivery of all prescription medications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages people at higher risk for COVID-19 complications to stay at home as much as possible, so this convenient option can help you avoid coming to the pharmacy for refills or new maintenance prescriptions. As always, there is no charge for delivery of prescriptions filled by CVS Caremark Mail Service pharmacy, when you choose mail. If you have any questions contact CVS/Caremark Customer Service line at 1-866-748-0028.
