EHA News
EHA News
COVID-19: Waiver of Cost Sharing
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska waives member cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatment – BCBSNE Newsroom
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) is waiving member cost-sharing for in-network treatment of COVID-19 from March 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020. This means that members with medical plan coverage will pay nothing for in-network testing and treatment administered at a doctor’s office, urgent care facility and emergency room, as well as inpatient hospital stays.
The announcement applies to all fully insured group and individual health plan members, along with those who receive their insurance through Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans. BCBSNE is working with their self-funded employer group clients who want to implement a similar approach.
“We’re here to provide peace of mind during a time of uncertainty,” said Steve Grandfield, BCBSNE president and CEO. “Ensuring our members have access to the care they need is our top priority.”
In addition to this latest coverage enhancement, BCBSNE has also made the following changes in response to the current coronavirus pandemic:
Waiving prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and covered services that are medically necessary and consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for members if diagnosed with COVID-19.
Covering medically necessary diagnostic tests that are consistent with CDC guidance related to COVID-19 at no cost-share to members.
Increasing access to prescription medications by waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications (consistent with members’ benefit plans) and encouraging members to use their 90-day mail order benefit.
Extending existing prior authorizations on prescription drugs that are due to expire until May 31, 2020.
Waiving member cost share for all in-network telehealth.
In addition to BCBSNE, other Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans, as well as the BCBS Federal Employee Program (FEP), are waiving member cost shares related to COVID-19 treatment. For more information, go to bcbs.com.
For the latest updated information about what BCBSNE is doing related to the COVID-19 pandemic, members should visit nebraskablue.com/coronavirus. If members have questions about their claims or coverage, they should call the number on the back of their ID card.
EHA Announcement on COVID-19
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
2020 Educators’ Medicare Seminars
We have some important information to share with you about your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) Educators’ Medicare Supplement plan:
BCBSNE will host eight seminars in November 2019. The sessions will provide you with important updates about the Educators’ Medicare Supplement Plan and will cover:
- Medicare basics
- Changes to the Medicare deductible and coinsurance amounts for 2020
- Changes to the Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
- The Educators’ Medicare Supplement Plan (with optional dental coverage)
- Conversion options between Plan F to Plan G, or vice versa. Current members may change plans on Jan 1, 2020 with no medical underwriting. Future changes will require medical underwriting and may be denied
Reserving a seat.
We ask that you reserve your seat by either calling 1-800-356-3485 or by registering online by going to the below links.
Friday, Nov. 1
Location: Omaha Public Schools: Teachers Administration Center 3215 Cuming Street
Registration Links
- Morning Session: 2020ed-omaha-am.eventbrite.com
- Afternoon Session: 2020ed-omaha-pm.eventbrite.com
Tuesday, Nov. 5
Location: Kearney Educational Service Unit 10, 76 Plaza Boulevard, Room B
Registration Links
- Morning Session: 2020ed-kearney-am.eventbrite.com
- Afternoon Session: 2020ed-kearney-pm.eventbrite.com
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Location: Lincoln Southeast Community College, 8800 “O” Street, Rooms U-102, 104 & 106
Registration Links
- Morning Session: 2020ed-lincoln-am.eventbrite.com
- Afternoon Session: 2020ed-lincoln-pm.eventbrite.com
Thursday, Nov. 7
Location: Northeast Community College, Lifelong Learning Center, 801 E. Benjamin Avenue
Registration Links
- Morning Session: 2020ed-norfolk-am.eventbrite.com
- Afternoon Session: 2020ed-norfolk-pm.eventbrite.com
2019-2020 Health Benefit Overview
* Educators Health Alliance $650 PPO
* Educators Health Alliance $850 PPO
* Educators Health Alliance $1,050 PPO
* Educators Health Alliance $1,200 PPO
* Educators Health Alliance $1,450 PPO
* Educators Health Alliance $1,900 PPO
* Educators Health Alliance $2,500 PPO Dual Option Available
* Educators Health Alliance $3,500 HDHP-HSA Dual Option Available
* Educators Health Alliance $4,000 HDHP-HSA
2019-2020 Health Benefit Overview
* Overview of your EHA Active Health, Drug, and Dental Benefits
* Overview of your EHA Direct Bill Health, Drug, and Dental Benefits
2019-20 Rates & Benefits Released
EHA Renewal Announcement 2019-20
Discover the Advantages of Telehealth
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
Educators Health Alliance Approves 0% Increase in Rates
Educators Health Alliance Approves 0% Increase in Rates
Lincoln, NE – Oct. 23, 2017 – There will be no increase in premium rates next year for the health insurance plan used by nearly every Nebraska school district, following action by the Educators Health Alliance (EHA), a consortium of three statewide public school groups that manages the plan.
Please click on the below link to read the full release:
EHA to Address Dependent Eligibility Verification Program Concerns
Lincoln, NE, May 10, 2017 - The Educators Health Alliance recently voted to suspend the Dependent Eligibility Verification (DEV) at the end of the current 2016/17 school year and address concerns that have been identified in the program recently completed. The goal of this action is to ensure all members who are truly eligible, and only those truly eligible, will be able to participate in the best health care benefits in Nebraska.
Click on the link below to read the full article.
EHA to Address Dependent Eligibility Verification Program Concerns
2017 EHA Bookkeepers Meeting
The 2017 EHA Bookkeepers meeting was held. Please visit the Coverage & Rates page to view the webinar and download more information.
EHA Special Announcement on Deductible 'Buy Up'
The EHA has announced a one-time special ‘buy up’ option for the 2017-2018 school year allowing a lowering of the plan deductible.
Please click on the below link: