Dear Nebraska Educator,

The Educators Health Alliance would like to sincerely thank you for the work you are doing as we launch into the 2020-21 school year in these unprecedented times. We’d like to pass on a few reminders as the health of our members is the reason we exist.

First, we urge you to take advantage of the EHA benefits that are available to you. It is critically important that you schedule your normal preventive physician visits for annual exams, mammograms, colonoscopies, etc. Continue to take your prescription medications and if you aren’t already, consider refilling your maintenance prescriptions with 90-day supplies to reduce the number of visits to your pharmacy. If you need to talk with someone about any stress or anxiety you are experiencing, EHA providers are available for in-person visits or remote telemedicine visits.

Second, please continue to take care of yourself by continuing to exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet and use stress reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, stretch breaks, etc. It may be difficult for you to think of yourself when you are concerned with those around you, but it is important to make sure you take care of your physical and mental wellbeing in these unusual and challenging times. The EHA Wellness Program has several challenges and programs to help you take care of yourself and is always available for you. Please see the enclosed card for more information on how you can get involved. If you have questions or aren’t familiar with EHA Wellness, email contact@ehawellness.org today.

Finally, we wanted to remind you to continue to follow the CDC recommended guidelines to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wear a mask when in the presence of others;
• Maintain social distance of 6 feet whenever possible;
• Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water; and
• Use hand sanitizer when unable to access soap and water for handwashing.

We thank you for everything you continue to do to serve children and youth in Nebraska. We encourage you to take care of yourself and to access all the EHA has to offer you as we work together to enter the new school year in a safe and healthy manner.

Sincerely,

Maddie Fennell, NBCT  
NE State Education Association  

Mike Dulaney, Ph.D.
NE Council of School Administrators

John Spatz, J.D.
NE Association of School Boards

Dear EHA Member,
The health and safety of our members are of the utmost importance to the Educators Health Alliance (EHA).

The Nebraska Council of School Administrators, the Nebraska Association of School Boards, and the Nebraska State Education Association (the three organizations who founded EHA) have been meeting with Nebraska Commissioner of Education Dr. Matt Blomstedt and Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer for Nebraska. While we have been planning for the impact of COVID-19 on our schools, we have also been working with our partners at Blue Cross and Blue Shield to make sure that the EHA is also ready to meet the medical needs of our members.

BCBS-NE has put the following a plan in place to continue to provide quality service to our customers while also protecting the health and safety of our employees.

• COVID-19 Testing: For all members, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska will cover, with no cost share, the appropriate medically necessary diagnostic testing for COVID-19, where it is not covered as part of the Public Health Service response, and ensure patient testing and any subsequently needed care are done in close coordination with federal, state and public health authorities.
   
• Medications: Effective immediately, we are increasing access to prescription medications by waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications (according to the terms of the member’s plan). We also encourage members to use their plan’s 90-day mail order benefit. Patients will not be liable for additional charges that stem from obtaining a non-preferred medication if the preferred medication is not available due to shortage or access issues.
   
• Telehealth: Starting Monday, March 16, 2020, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska will cover, with no cost share to the member, the cost of all telehealth visits until further notice.

This expanded coverage applies to all types of health plans, including high deductible health plans, regardless of whether or not the member’s plan currently offers benefits for telehealth.

Additional information on how to enroll in telehealth through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s preferred vendor, AmWell, will be posted on the website prior to Monday.

You can find all updated information on BCBS coverage at:
https://newsroom.nebraskablue.com/how-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-nebraska-is-responding- to-the-coronavirus-and-what-you-need-to-know/

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU DEVELOP SYMPTOMS.

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD COVERAGE
https://newsroom.nebraskablue.com/how-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-nebraska-is-responding-to-the-coronavirus-and-what-you-need-to-know/

COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING LINK PROVIDED BY THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL INFORMATION AND PREVENTION:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RESOURCES
https://www.education.ne.gov/publichealth/resources/

If you have any questions, please call our Member Services department at the number on the back of your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska member ID card.

Sincerely,

Maddie Fennell
NSEA Executive Director

Mike Dulaney
NCSA Executive Director

John Spatz
NASB Executive Director

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska offers telehealth services through America Well® , also known as Amwell, the industry's leading telehealth solution - serving the Educators Health Alliance.  

To learn more about telehealth please click on the below links:

* Discover Telehealth
* An Innovative Way to Access Health Care 24/7/365!
* Telehealth Registration Quick Guide