Important Information About COVID-19

Frequently Asked Questions:

Coverage, Symptoms, Testing, Treatment, and How to Handle Stress

Do ISO plans cover treatment for COVID-19?

All ISO plans provide coverage for sicknesses and injuries, including COVID-19. Any treatments that are considered medically necessary, meaning when you are sick or have COVID-19 symptoms, are eligible for coverage according to your plan benefits.

For information about your insurance plan, and the specifics of your coverage, you can refer to your policy’s brochure, pages 3-6.

Do ISO plans cover testing for COVID-19?

Medically necessary testing specifically for COVID-19 is covered by your ISO plan the same way as any other COVID-19 related treatment. You will need to be showing symptoms of COVID-19 beforehand for the test to be considered medically necessary. Tests that are eligible for coverage, will go according to your plan's benefits (Your deductibe, coinsurance, copay applies). If you need to get tested, you should find an in-network provider that offers it. Urgent care centers are most likely to offer testing, but you can also explore health clinics or primary care doctors offices in your area.

Any non-medically necessary testing will not covered by the plan. Non-medically necessary reasons include:

• Travel requirements
• School/workplace requirements
• Exposure to someone positive with COVID-19
• Precautionary purposes
• Antibody testing

If you need to get tested for any non-medically necessary reasons like above, you can utilize the third round of free coronavirus tests made available by the U.S. government. Order your take-home test here here.

Does ISO cover the COVID-19 vaccine?

The COVID-19 vaccine will be treated the same as any other wellness and preventive care measure. If you are enrolled in a plan that provides coverage for wellness and preventive care, it will be covered 100% if done at an in-network provider or your school’s student health center.

If your plan does not provide wellness and preventive coverage, any charges you receive for the COVID-19 vaccine will not be covered by the insurance. However, most vaccines are being offered for free and the only cost to you might be the administration fee depending on the provider you visit.

This fee may be as low as $15-30 and should be covered 100% through the CARES Act.

If you’re not covered, here is how to get the vaccine for free:

1. Find a COVID-19 Vaccination Site in your area.
2. Indicate that you do not have insurance when scheduling the appointment.
3. Your provider can then try to get reimbursement for the fee through the HRSA COVID-19 Uninsured Program.

For more information on the vaccines, you can view our COVID-19 vaccine FAQ post.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 and their intensity vary case by case. Those who have COVID-19 may have very mild to no symptoms or could show severe symptoms. Symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. The three main symptoms listed by the CDC include cough, shortness of breath, and fever.

As more information has come out about coronavirus, additional symptoms have become known. Find the CDC's list here.

If your symptoms are extreme, such as constant chest pain or pressure, inability to stay awake, bluish face or lips, confusion or severe trouble breathing, call 911 and seek emergency medical care.

For more information on what to do if you have symptoms, read our blog here.

How can I best cope with stress during this time?

We understand the stress brought on by the pandemic can be difficult to deal with. All ISO plans provide coverage for mental health treatment the same way as any other injury/sickness so you do should not hesitate if you need to reach out to a professional.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html