Good health habits can also help prevent and fight COVID-19. You should:
Do I need to wear a face mask?
It’s best to follow the CDC’s recommendations for using a
facemask.
- If you’re not sick, the CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask to protect yourself from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- If you’re sick with COVID-19, or being evaluated for COVID-19, you should wear a facemask when you are around other people to help prevent spreading the disease to others.
- If you’re taking care of someone who has COVID-19, you should wear a facemask to protect yourself when you are in close contact with a person who is sick with COVID-19, or being evaluated for COVID-19. CDC information for household members and caregivers can be found here.
What if I have symptoms?
Call your doctor if you develop a fever, have a cough, or have difficulty breathing. And let them know if you’ve been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area where the virus has spread. You can also check to see if your plan offers telehealth benefits to see a doctor online. If you think you're infected, using telehealth helps to prevent spreading a virus.
Are there any prescription drugs that can be used to treat COVID-19?
Right now, there are no prescription drugs that are approved to treat this virus. Scientists are working quickly to develop treatment, so we are closely monitoring CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) guidance for updates on the best treatments.
Are there any vaccines available to prevent COVID-19?
Not yet. Several vaccines are being tested, but they’re still in the very early stages of development. After that, they’ll need to go through clinical trials to be sure they are both safe and effective before they’d be ready for the public.
How your benefits will work
What will my Anthem benefits cover for services related to COVID-19 testing and care?
Your Anthem health plan will cover the care you get if you’re diagnosed as having COVID-19. For those who have fully insured, individual, Medicare and Medicaid plans, it’ll also waive your out-of-pocket expenses for the focused test used to diagnose COVID-19. You can call the number on the back of your identification card to confirm coverage.
You'll pay any other out-of-pocket expenses your plan requires related to COVID-19, unless otherwise determined by state law or regulation.
How much will a COVID-19 test cost me?
It shouldn't cost you anything if you receive a test from the Centers for Disease Control or if you have a fully insured, Medicare or Medicaid plan..
I’m worried about running out of my medication. What can I do?
We know how important it is to continue taking your prescriptions as directed by your doctor. If you are worried about having enough of your prescribed medication on hand, and your Anthem plan allows for a 90-day supplies of prescriptions, this is a great time to think about changing any prescription medicines you take on a regular basis from a 30-day supply. If you don’t have a prescription for a 90-day supply, talk to your doctor to see if a 90-day supply would work for you. You can even get them through home delivery pharmacy. If you have specific questions about the medicine you take, call the pharmacy services number on your member ID card.*
If there’s an epidemic, how will you ensure that the doctors in my plan can still provide care?
Anthem is committed to making sure you can get the care you need. We’re working closely with the doctors and other health care professionals in our plans to prepare for more calls and visits. If your doctor isn’t available for some reason, we’ll help you find alternate care. Go to the main page on
Anthem.com/ca to log in and search for a doctor, or call the Member Services number on your ID card.
For more information, check the
CDC website for up-to-date details and recommendations about COVID-19.
Other resources
*Applies only for members with Anthem pharmacy benefits.
Sources
