Benefit Questions

Will my COVID-19 diagnostic test be covered?

We have taken steps to expand Member access to care by covering medically appropriate diagnostic tests related to COVID-19 at no cost share (deductible, co-pay and coinsurance) to you.

Will my COVID-19 treatment be covered if diagnosed?

We have taken steps to ensure Member access to care by covering medically appropriate treatment related to COVID-19 according to medical necessity. Benefit levels will apply according to your Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Health and Wellness Benefit Plan.

Will telemedicine be covered?

Coverage has been expanded for certain telemedicine services to allow you to visit your Network Provider without having to leave your home. We have also added telemedicine visits to our Be Tobacco-free benefit. Member cost sharing (deductible, co-pay, coinsurance) and benefit levels will apply according to your Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Health and Wellness Benefit Plan.

How do I ensure I have access to my prescription refills?

To help decrease the number of trips to the pharmacy, we have expanded access to certain medically appropriate prescription drugs by expanding the maintenance drug formulary list. Expansion of the maintenance drug formulary allows for included medication to be filled as a 3-month supply. Talk to your pharmacist or call our Customer Support Team (601-664-4590) to see if your medication is eligible for maintenance refills.

Will my COVID-19 vaccination be covered if I choose to be vaccinated?

When received from providers enrolled with the Mississippi Department of Health and the Federal Government as COVID-19 vaccine providers, items and services integral to the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine will be covered without cost sharing (deductible, co-pay and coinsurance) for those who are eligible to receive the vaccines approved for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These approved vaccine vials are provided by the Federal Government to providers/administrators at no cost.

Where can I find a list of Primary Care Network Providers?

You can view a list of Primary Care Network Providers here: https://www.bcbsms.com/im-a-member/find-a-provider

COVID-19 Questions

How long does it take COVID-19 symptoms to appear?

Generally, symptoms can appear in as few as 2 days, or up to 14 days after exposure.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Seek medical treatment immediately if you develop any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

What should I do if I'm experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?

If you are experiencing symptoms, self-isolate and call your Primary Care Network Provider to discuss next steps. Your Primary Care Network Provider will ensure you receive the care you need, while ensuring the safety of those with whom you may come in contact.

If you are severely ill and need to go to the clinic or hospital right away, you should still call ahead. This way the staff can care for you while taking steps to protect others.

When should I seek medical attention if I believe I may have COVID-19?

Call your Primary Care Network Provider to discuss if you should come in for testing. They will ensure you receive the care you need, while also protecting those you may come in contact with at the office.

Seek medical treatment immediately if you develop any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

How can I prevent the spread of COVID-19?

• Wash your hands with clean water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Maintain social distancing. A separation of 6 feet, about two arm lengths, from another person is considered effective.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue away and wash your hands. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hands.
• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, computers, phones and bathroom surfaces.
• Stay in good overall health by eating right and staying active.
• Monitor your health each day by staying alert for symptoms and checking your temperature.
• Wear a mask in public places. All Mississippi residents should wear non-medical grade masks or homemade cloth masks when shopping, running errands, or otherwise away from home. Face covering is especially important when a distance of at least 6 feet cannot easily be maintained between persons. This recommendation does not include manufactured (surgical) or N95 masks, which should be reserved for healthcare workers and first responders.
• Avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19. Remember, some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus to others.
• As much as possible, avoid poorly ventilated spaces that do not offer fresh air from the outdoors. If indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors.
• Get vaccinated. For information on whether you are eligible and where vaccination sites are located, contact your Primary Care Network Provider or visit the Mississippi State Department of Health’s website.

Who is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19?

• People 65 years of age and older
• Those living in a nursing home or long-term care facility
• People with the following underlying health conditions:
  • Cancer
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Down Syndrome
  • Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
  • Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
  • Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
  • Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
  • Pregnancy
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Smoking
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Children with the following conditions might be at increased risk for severe illness:
  • Obesity
  • Medical complexity
  • Severe genetic disorders
  • Severe neurologic disorders
  • Inherited metabolic disorders
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Congenital (since birth) heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Asthma and other chronic lung disease
  • Immunosuppression due to malignancy or immune-weakening medications