Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) has been committed to helping you get the care you need. Even though the Public Health Emergency is ending May 11, 2023, our commitment to helping you live your healthiest life will not change. You will still have access to vaccines, virtual visits, and testing. However, we are updating how the following benefits are covered starting May 12, 2023:
The COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be covered at no cost when obtained from an in-network provider. If the vaccine is administered by an out-of-network provider, standard cost-sharing will apply. Check your benefits to confirm if you have out-of-network coverage. Log in at ibx.com to find a provider.
Standard cost-sharing will be applied according to your benefits for FDA-approved COVID-19 diagnostic tests, such as PCR tests. Independence will no longer reimburse for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can submit for reimbursement through those programs.
If you are a Medicare Advantage member, please see information below.
Call your doctor if you think you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and developed symptoms. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more details on symptoms, including those for people who already received a COVID-19 vaccination.
Outpatient treatments for COVID-19 are available. These antiviral drug options can help patients at high risk for severe COVID-19. Speak with your doctor as soon as symptoms appear to learn more about treatment options and determine if you are eligible.
If you are a Medicare Advantage member, please see information below.
Virtual doctor visits: Standard cost-sharing will apply for all telemedicine visits with your primary care physician (PCP) and specialists. We will no longer waive cost-sharing for a COVID-19 diagnosis. Log in at ibx.com to find a provider.
Virtual behavioral health visits: Standard cost-sharing will apply for all virtual visits with a behavioral health provider. We will no longer waive cost-sharing for a COVID-19 diagnosis. Log in at ibx.comto find a behavioral health provider.
Virtual care visits through MDLIVE®. Standard cost-sharing will apply according to your benefits for virtual care visits through MDLIVE. Get started at MDLIVE.
If you are a Medicare Advantage member, please see information below.
Vaccine coverage. The COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be covered as a preventive service at no cost to Medicare Advantage members when obtained from an in-network provider. If the vaccine is administered by an out-of-network provider, standard cost-sharing will apply. Network rules apply based on benefit design.
Diagnostic and antibody COVID-19 testing. Medicare Advantage members have a $0 cost-share for in-network, medically appropriate, FDA-approved COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody tests ordered by a physician or authorized by a health care professional. Out-of-network coverage and cost-sharing depends on your health plan. Members are encouraged to contact a medical professional for COVID-19 testing if they suspect illness or exposure.
Over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests². Medicare Advantage members can choose to purchase OTC COVID-19 test kits with the IBX Care Card under the OTC benefit at participating retailers.
Note: OTC test kits require no medical professional or laboratory involvement for the supply of the test, completion of the testing, or assessment of results.
Treatment². Medicare Advantage members have a $0 cost-share for in-network acute inpatient treatment of COVID-19. Out-of-network coverage and cost-sharing depends on your health plan.
Telehealth visits². Medicare Advantage members can schedule telehealth visits with their network primary care physician and specialists, including behavioral health providers, and physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Cost-sharing applies based on your health plan.
Talk to a doctor 24/7². Schedule a same-day appointment with a board-certified doctor through MDLIVE® at no cost, depending on your plan. MDLIVE doctors can assess your symptoms and help with next steps. Register or log in at ibxmedicare.com/mdlive.
Sign up for Independence updates and information. If you have coverage through your employer or purchased an Individual or Family plan, get connected today.
Medicare members can sign up at ibxmedicare.com/getconnected.
¹ The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act mandate that member cost-sharing (deductible, co-pays, and coinsurance) is waived both in and out-of-network for the testing and diagnosis of COVID-19 through the public health emergency. When the public health emergency referenced by the FFCRA and CARES Act ends, the waiver of cost sharing for out-of-network COVID-19 testing and diagnosis will end. The Biden Administration recently announced that the federal public health emergency will end on May 11, 2023. We are working to ensure a smooth transition, so Independence members continue to have access to the care they need.
² f you have coverage through your employer, benefits and coverages may vary. Please check with them about how these programs apply.
MDLIVE is an independent company.
Y0041_HM_112009_2023 Website last updated: 4/18/2023
Independence Blue Cross offers Medicare Advantage plans with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Independence Medicare Advantage plans depends on contract renewal.
Independence Blue Cross offers products through its subsidiaries Independence Hospital Indemnity Plan, Keystone Health Plan East and QCC Insurance Company — independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
