The health and safety of you, your family and our shared communities are our top priority. As Mississippi's health and wellness leader, we are committed now, more than ever, to supporting our members and ensuring they receive the right care at the right time.
We know you have questions concerning the ever evolving COVID-19 outbreak, so we've got the answers you need in one place.
Benefit Questions
- Will my COVID-19 diagnostic test be covered?
-
We have taken steps to expand Member access to care by covering medically necessary diagnostic tests related to COVID-19 at no cost share (deductible, co-pay and coinsurance) to you.
-
Will my COVID-19 treatment be covered?
-
To give members receiving care for COVID-19 even greater peace of mind, member cost sharing is being waived for medically necessary covered services for COVID-19 treatment through May 31, 2020. This applies when services are provided by a Network Provider in an office, urgent care facility or emergency room as well as inpatient hospital stays.
- Will telemedicine be covered?
-
Network Provider medically necessary covered telemedicine services will be provided with no member costs sharing (deductible, co-pay and coinsurance).
For Members who use a Non-Network provider, benefits for covered telemedicine services will be provided at the non-Network benefit level and the Member will be responsible for the cost sharing (deductible, co-pay and coinsurance) as outlined in their Health and Wellness Benefit Plan.
- How do I ensure I have access to my prescription refills with the stay-at-home order in place?
-
To limit travel to the pharmacy and ensure a sufficient supply of prescription drugs, we have increased access to medically necessary prescription drugs by waiving early medication refill limits based on your health and wellness benefit plan and your individual care needs.
- Where can I find a list of Network Primary Care Providers?
-
You can view a list of Network Primary Care 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?
-
Symptoms can appear in as few as 2 days, or up to 14 days after exposure.
-
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
-
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Headache
Seek medical treatment immediately if you develop any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or chest pressure
- Confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
*This is 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 Network Primary Care Provider to discuss next steps. Your Network Primary Care Provider will ensure you receive the care you need, while ensuring the safety of those you may come in contact with at the office.
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 Network Primary Care 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 chest pressure
- Confusion or inability to arouse
- Bluish lips or face
*This is 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 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Chronic lung disease
- Moderate to severe asthma
- Compromised immunity
- Severe obesity
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney disease
- Liver disease
Additional Resources
Women's Health
Eat Healthy
Exercise
Health & Wellness Articles