As part of its commitment to improving health in the communities we serve, Optima Health announces it will help members manage testing and treatment for the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Effective immediately, Optima Health will:
- Waive out-of-pocket member costs associated with COVID-19 diagnostic testing at any in-network lab locations for all commercial, Medicaid or Medicare Advantage members.
- Offer telehealth visits free to members (i.e., no member co-pays or cost-share) for the next 90 days for in-network virtual care partners.
“We want to do our part in removing barriers to care and providing safe options for our members who may be concerned about their health based on their symptoms and travel history,” said Dennis Matheis, president of Optima Health Plan and executive vice president of Sentara Healthcare. “Our team is taking the COVID-19 virus seriously and are engaging our members to help them protect themselves and the community at large.”
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Self-insured plan sponsors have the choice to opt-out of this offering. For office visits with in-network providers, members should expect the same benefits and patient responsibilities, such as co-pays and co-insurance, as they would normally experience when seeking care. If a member chooses an out-of-network provider, the existing out-of-network benefits and costs remain in place.
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Dr. Thomas Lundquist, M.D., SVP and chief medical officer at Optima Health stated, “We encourage patients to seek medical care via primary care and through our telehealth options, such as MDLIVE, to avoid potential risk of infection by gathering in emergency rooms and urgent care facilities. To help you and your family stay healthy, you should take the recommended steps to help prevent the spread of this illness or other illnesses, including the flu:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least twenty seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available,
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze,
- Stay home when you’re sick, and
- See your doctor or use an approved telehealth option if you think you are ill.”