Living amid so much uncertainty can create a lot of tension and stress. Here are some resources and tips you can use as we all navigate this time together.
If you are concerned about flu-like symptoms and might need treatment: If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, the CDC recommends you follow these steps to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community. Or, use the CDC symptom checker here.
Call your doctor or consider using telehealth. If you are covered under a BCBSTX medical plan, learn what to expect from your MDLIVE visit during this COVID-19 pandemic. If you are covered under the Kaiser HMO Plan, call Kaiser any time at 1-800-464-4000 to determine if a phone or video visit is right for you.
BCBSTX and Kaiser have also taken steps to lower costs and provide easier access to care for members with COVID-19. You won't pay copays and deductibles with in-network providers for COVID-19 testing and diagnosis. If you are enrolled under the Kaiser HMO medical plan, you won’t need to pay any out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 treatment, including hospital stays between April 1 and May 31. Read more from BCBSTX and Kaiser.
If you are at higher risk for COVID-19: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with chronic conditions including diabetes, lung disease, and heart disease appear to be at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Employees and their covered dependents enrolled under a BCBSTX medical plan who have or at risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease can access health coaching through Omada Health. Visit omadahealth.com/bmc to see if you’re eligible for the Omada program.
If you’re concerned about the medication supply: Express-Scripts, the prescription drug provider for all BCBSTX medical plans, is following scheduled medication refill dates for members’ medications. If conditions change, Express-Scripts will provide updates here. Express-Scripts uses sophisticated algorithms to predict where there may be a disruption in product availability and stay ahead of the curve. Read More
If you can’t postpone a planned medical procedure: Several major health care providers have announced they would postpone elective surgeries and other non-urgent procedures and appointments. If you cannot delay care, Healthcare Bluebook can help you find high-quality, low-cost care in your area. Remember to talk to your doctor to determine if your procedure is necessary at this time. For a list of helpful resources regarding COVID-19 or to find a Fair Price™ provider in your area, access Healthcare Bluebook now.
If you are feeling stressed: Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) partner, Magellan Healthcare, offers tips to help you manage through stressful times. The Behavioral and Specialty Health reporting unit of Magellan Healthcare is also making resources available at no cost to all individuals, especially those who might be feeling stress or anxiety during these unfamiliar times.
Being quarantined or under isolation can cause emotional toll. And, understandably, people might worry or have anxiety about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and associated issues around school, finances, and taking care of others. Magellan Healthcare shares information on how to manage it. You can also watch this video series about the different ways COVID-19 can affect your mental health and how to cope.
If you need to talk to a therapist: All BMC medical plan options give you the freedom to make an appointment to see a therapist.
BCBSTX medical plans: The therapist is always in with MDLIVE, an on-demand health care service. MDLIVE teletherapy lets you speak with a licensed therapist via secure video or phone at a time that works for you.
Kaiser HMO medical plan: Call 1-800-464-4000 any time (closed holidays) for access to crisis intervention and guidance, referrals, and to connect to many other resources. Visit kp.org/mentalhealth to learn more about the many resources available.
If you’re concerned about an aging parent: Is your aging parent isolated in a senior living facility or alone at home, unable to receive visitors due to the coronavirus outbreak? Are you worried that they are bored, or worse, feeling abandoned? Here are a few resources to check out for helpful tips:
Read the general strategies CDC recommends to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities.
Caring for elder loved ones from Bright Horizons.
Activities for aging parents isolated due to the COVID-19 outbreak from workingdaughter.com.
If you need backup care for your children or aging parent: Your Backup Care plan benefits cover the majority of expenses for up to 10 days of backup care per year, per employee. If you use Backup Care services through Bright Horizons, the copays are $15 per person or $25 per family for center-based care. In-home care is $6 per hour with a 4-hour minimum. Register in advance at careadvantage.com/bmc (Enter username: BMC, and password: CARE4YOU).
Read about precautionary measures Bright Horizons is taking to prevent the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Read More
If you’re struggling with telecommuting: Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you are home. Are roommates, siblings, parents, spouses, and dogs (well, maybe not dogs) not respecting your space during work hours? If you’re not used to working at home, it can take some getting used to new challenges that you might not have at the office. Here are a few helpful tips to check out:
Seven tips for working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic from Magellan Healthcare.
5 Tips for Managing Work and Kids During COVID-19 from Healthcare Bluebook.
Tips to be productive when working at home during COVID-19 from Forbes Magazine.
Watch this short video about working from home successfully from our wellness partner, WellRight.
If you’re struggling with motivation to exercise or eat right: The BMC wellness program, bWell, offers you and your spouse access to confidential consultations with lifestyle motivators by phone, video, or webchat. Call 1-800-882-2109 or email coaching@marqueehealth.com to set up your first appointment.
If you’re concerned about your financial wellness: With the COVID-19 pandemic reshaping how we live and work, you are likely looking for help with how to make good, informed decisions about your money in this continually changing world. Fidelity has created a website to provide benefits information and resources to help you more effectively manage your money and 401(k) savings. Read about new BMC 401(k) Plan provisions to help ease access to retirement funds for people impacted by COVID-19.
MyBMC Rewards provides a snapshot of your pay, retirement benefits, health and insurance benefits and corporate programs. Visit MyBMC Rewards to:
Go online anytime or call 877-262-4849. Representatives are available from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Eastern time.
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BCBSTX ResourcesOther Resources/ServicesView recorded WebEx presentations on benefits topics.