GeoBlue, a leader in global health insurance, continues to
closely monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. To offer protection and
resources to keep our members safe, we are announcing several steps in response
to the outbreak.
Effective immediately, the following resources are available to
GeoBlue members enrolled in our fully-insured plans. Self-funded plans will be
able to opt-out of this program:
·GeoBlue will cover, with no cost-share to members, medically-necessary,
prescribed diagnostic testing for the virus, known officially as COVID-19,
consistent with U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.
·This coverage includes the cost of the COVID-19 test,
physician/doctor consultation fee and associated costs related to administering
the COVID-19 test.
·GeoBlue will waive prior authorizations for medically-necessary,
prescribed tests and covered services related to COVID-19, consistent with CDC
guidelines.
·To help reduce potential exposure, GeoBlue encourages members to
utilize our telemedicine service, Global TeleMDTM, which
provides 24/7 confidential access to a global network of doctors around the
world via telephone or secure video call. Global TeleMD is available to
GeoBlue's corporate, scholastic and individual enrolled
members at no additional cost.For a
limited time, we are expanding access to Global TeleMD to Blue Cross Blue
Shield Global Traveler members as well.
·The above actions apply to all plans with medical benefits
underwritten by 4 Ever Life Insurance Company or 4 Ever Life International
Limited.
"The health of members continues to be the focus for GeoBlue. We
are closely monitoring the information provided by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) and working directly with our members, our Blue
Plan partners in the U.S. and Bupa globally to remove barriers to care as we
work through this outbreak," said Sheldon Kenton, CEO/President, GeoBlue.
Members experiencing symptoms consistent with the coronavirus
should speak with a clinician as soon as possible. For questions about benefits
and coverage, members should call the toll-free number on the back of their
insurance card. We will continue to proactively communicate with our key
stakeholders as needed.
For reliable information about the coronavirus disease
(COVID-19), please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) website at cdc.gov/coronavirus.