The Coronavirus

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Coverage changes for COVID-19

The Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 ends on May 11, 2023. After May 11, 2023:

  • Medicare will continue to cover vaccines without cost sharing.
  • You might have cost sharing for COVID-19 diagnostic tests.
  • Medicare won’t cover over-the-counter (OTC) tests.
  • Telehealth services will continue through December 31, 2024.

 

As our country fights through the worst disease outbreak in living memory, it is unavoidable that concerns regarding health insurance are inextricably linked with concerns of physical health and wellness. The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made a number of policy changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes will likely continue to evolve as additional information on the disease and how it affects patients becomes available. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions on COVID-19 and Medicare.

Aetna Medicare COVID-19 Resources
*Aetna has waived cost-sharing for diagnostics and treatment related to COVID-19 from May 1st, 2020 through the end of the calendar year.*

Empire/Anthem Insurance COVID Resource Center
*Empire has waived cost-sharing for diagnostics and treatment related to COVID-19 from May 1st, 2020 through the end of the calendar year.*

Humana Medicare COVID-19 Resource Center
*Humana has announced that members of their Medicare Advantage plans will have their out-of-pocket costs waived for ALL in-network primary care, telehealth visits, and outpatient behavioral health visits from May 1st, 2020 through the end of the calendar year*

UnitedHealthcare® COVID-19 Concerns
*UnitedHealthcare® has waived cost-sharing for diagnostics and treatment related to COVID-19 from May 1st, 2020 through the end of the calendar year.*

The following information is taken from the Social Security COVID-19 communication, which was updated April 6, 2020

Can I Enroll in Medicare?

Enrolling online is the easiest way to apply for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) or for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug program costs, if you qualify.

If you are applying for Medicare Part A for the first time, our online application provides you the option to enroll in Medicare Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance) or opt out of Part B coverage.

If you are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and you are interested in enrolling in Part B, you cannot use our online application. Please mail or fax your completed application, CMS-40B, Application for Enrollment in Medicare – Part B (Medical Insurance) to your local Social Security field office. If you are applying for Medicare Part B due to a loss of employment or group health coverage, you will also need to complete form CMS-L564 (Request for Employment Information). Return the completed forms to your local Social Security office by mail or fax it to 1-833-914-2016.

We are working with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to offer relief from certain requirements and timeframes for Medicare Part B.

To ensure we can timely process your request, please complete the CMS-L564 as follows:

  • Complete Section A and Section B of the form; and
    • Normally your employer would complete Section B, however CMS has waived this requirement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Submit proof of employment, Group Health Plan (GHP), or Large Group Health Plan (LGHP).

Although our offices are closed to the public for in-person service, we are still processing requests received by mail. You can find the address to your local office using our Social Security Office Locator. You can also call your local office with questions. You can find the phone number for your local office under “Additional Office Information.”

How long does it take from the time SSA receives my forms until the time I have coverage?

It can take up to 21 days to process your application. If you are applying for Medicare Part B due to a recent loss in employment or group health coverage, your medical coverage is effective the month following the date we receive your request to enroll.