Coronavirus Information
What you need to know about COVID-19
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new disease that causes respiratory sickness in people and can spread from person to person. People of all ages can be infected. Older adults and people with pre-existing health issues like asthma, diabetes and heart disease may be more likely to become very ill if infected. Many facts about this disease are still unknown, such as:
- Treatment choices
- How the virus works
- The impact of the sickness
- Many other factors
What is the coronavirus?
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease. It is caused by a new virus called a coronavirus. The number of cases still grow nationwide and globally. It may be contagious before a person has symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of coronavirus are mild to harsh respiratory symptoms. COVID-19 can be contagious before a person starts showing symptoms. Other symptoms are:
- Fever
- Cough
- Hard to breathe
- Lower respiratory sickness
What else causes similar symptoms?
The flu is a contagious respiratory sickness caused by the flu viruses (Type A and Type B). It has high activity in the U.S. in the Fall/Winter months. All people 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine annually. Vaccines are free for Nebraska Total Care members.
I may have symptoms. What do I do?
If you have been exposed or start showing symptoms, call your healthcare provider or health department right away.
Protect yourself and your community.
We all have a role to play in protecting our communities and families from the spread of coronavirus. It is like other sickness. You can also follow these tips to stop infection:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizing rub. It must be at least 60 percent alcohol.
- Wear a face covering/mask when in public and/or around others who do not live in your home.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Cough/sneeze into your elbow.
- Promptly throw away tissues in a wastebasket after use.
- Clean public surfaces fully.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Skip shaking hands.
- Skip close contact with people who are sick.
- Get a flu vaccine annually.
Does my plan cover COVID-19 testing, screening and treatment services?
Yes. When medically necessary diagnostic testing or health screening services are ordered and/or referred by a licensed health care provider, we will cover the cost of medically necessary COVID-19 tests and the associated doctor’s visit. If applicable, your plan’s copayment, coinsurance and/or deductible cost-sharing will be waived for medically necessary COVID-19 diagnostic testing and/or health screening services and treatment.
Free Community Testing Sites. Find a health center near you for available Covid-19 testing. Please call the health center for more information about availability of free testing.
Get Tested at a Pharmacy. Free testing is available at select pharmacies. See participating locations at CVS Health, Walgreens, Walmart (Quest Direct), and independent pharmacies.
Pick Up an At-Home Test. Covid-19 tests are available in pharmacies for in-person purchase. Members may get up to four tests per day. (There is a monthly limit of eight tests.) Covid-19 antigen tests require a prescription to be covered.
Is pre-approval needed for COVID-19 testing/screening services under my plan coverage?
No. We will not need pre-approval, prior certification, prior notice and/or step therapy protocols for medically necessary COVID-19 diagnostic testing, health screening services and treatment, when medically necessary services are ordered and/or referred by a licensed health care provider.
Where may I get COVID-19 testing, screening services, and treatment under my plan coverage?
Medically necessary COVID-19 diagnostic testing and/or health screening services and treatment and the associated doctor’s visit will be covered when ordered, referred and/or performed in the following In-Network places:
- Doctor’s/Practitioner’s Office
- Independent Lab/Diagnostic Facility
- Urgent Care Facility
- Emergency Department Facility
Are you unsure if you have been exposed to or at-risk of being infected with COVID-19? Schedule a virtual care visit with a provider. It is a good choice for non-urgent care to limit potential exposure in a doctor’s office or other healthcare facility.
Will I be responsible for any out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing/screening services?
No. We will cover medically necessary COVID-19 diagnostic testing and/or health screening services and treatment at no charge to you, when such services are ordered and/or referred by a licensed health care provider. If applicable, your plan’s copayment, coinsurance and/or deductible cost-sharing will be waived for medically necessary COVID-19 diagnostic testing and/or health screening services and treatment along with the associated doctor’s visit.
If I need treatment for coronavirus, is that covered by my plan?
Any medically necessary treatment related to COVID-19 would be considered a covered benefit. We are committed to ensuring access to COVID-19 treatment services in accordance with federal and state law.
Will I be able to refill my meds before the refill date?
Yes, members will be able to refill meds before the refill date.
Are there strategies for coping with the COVID-19 outbreak?
Worry and anxiety can rise about the spread of COVID-19. Worry for friends and family who live in places where COVID-19 is spreading or the growth of the disease is normal.
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
- Connect with others. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Keep healthy relationships and a sense of hope and positive thinking.
- Share the facts about COVID-19 and the real risk to others. People who have returned from areas of ongoing spread more than 14 days ago and do not have symptoms of COVID-19 do not put others at risk.
- For more info, see the CDC’s ideas for mental health and coping during COVID-19.
For more information, including travel advisories, please visit CDC.gov.
COVID-19 Member Resources
How to Create Positive New Habits in our New World
Find Help in Your Area
Search for free or reduced cost COVID-19 specific services in your community such as unemployment, food, housing, care and more through our partnership with the findhelp zip code lookup tool.