COVID-19 INFORMATION
We encourage you to learn more about the COVID-19 coronavirus by visiting the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Updates
COVID-19 vaccines
Vaccines for COVID-19 will continue to be covered as a preventive service with no cost shares, when administered by an in-network provider. Cost sharing may be applied when a vaccine is administered by an out-of-network provider.
Vaccines are now more widely accessible in the U.S. and they are safe and effective. Learn more and find out where you can get your vaccine at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
COVID-19 Testing Coverage
Testing (including diagnostic testing) for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, will be covered with no member cost shares as required by the Maine COVID-19 Patient Bill of Rights, until the state’s emergency declaration is lifted.
At Home COVID Test Kits
The Health Trust will reimburse members for the cost of an Over-the-Counter (OTC) At Home COVID-19 test kit purchased between January 15, 2022 and May 10, 2023. Reimbursement is limited to eight tests per covered member per month.
In order to receive reimbursement, you need to submit a claim form and a legible store receipt that shows the description of the item purchased. The Anthem claim form can be found on our website here and it includes the mailing address for claims. You can also submit a claim form through the www.Anthem.com website or the Anthem Sydney app.
Extension of Deadlines
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, a National Emergency was declared beginning March 1, 2020. This provided individuals with additional time to make important decisions regarding their health insurance benefits including extensions of certain deadlines to enroll in health coverage, elect and pay for COBRA coverage, and make and appeal benefit plan claims.
The following timeframes and deadlines for certain benefit elections have been extended by the duration of the “outbreak period”, defined as the time period starting March 1, 2020, and lasting until 60 days after the end of the COVID-19 National Emergency.
- The 60-day period to make a special enrollment election to the group health plan due to a qualifying event.
- The deadlines for participants and qualified beneficiaries to elect COBRA coverage, to pay COBRA premiums, and to notify the plan of specific COBRA qualifying events like divorce, death or disability.
- The timeframes and deadlines for members to file benefit claims or appeals of denied claims.
On April 10, 2022 President Biden signed a law ending the COVID-19 national emergency effective immediately. The special enrollment provisions and extensions will end 60 days after the national emergency ends.
Members who are experiencing difficulty meeting the timeframes outlined in the Health Trust Summary Plan Descriptions or in their COBRA or Retiree continuation of coverage offer letters, should contact the Health Trust for more information and additional guidance. Please call 1-800-452-8786, ext. 2223 for assistance.
See a Provider Online from your Home
Medical experts recommend using virtual health care options when possible, as it can help prevent the spread of coronavirus and other infectious diseases, and improve access to care. Telehealth is a safe and effective way for members to see a doctor to receive health guidance related to COVID-19 from their homes via smart phone, tablet or computer.
Anthem’s LiveHealth Online program is available to MMEHT members. Using LiveHealth Online, you can have a private video visit with a doctor via technology to assess your symptoms and determine if testing for COVID-19 is warranted. You may also get quick care for a common health issue, or access a provider through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
In addition, Anthem’s Sydney Care App now includes a symptom assessment tool. This will give you a quick and easy way to assess your symptoms and then, if you choose to, the app can connect you with a doctor through a LiveHealth Online video session or a Virtual Care text session right from your phone.
Through December 31, 2023, cost shares for telehealth, LiveHealth Online and telephone-only visits for mental health and substance abuse diagnoses will be waived for visits with providers in the Anthem network. The cost share waiver for other telehealth services, including for Primary Care and Specialty Care visits, expired December 31, 2021.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Resources
The Health Trust, in conjunction with Anthem, provides an EAP to all employers that participate in the Health Trust health plan. The Anthem EAP covers all employees, even those who are not enrolled in the health plan. It also covers family members of employees living with the employee. Unfortunately, retirees are not eligible to use this service.
The Anthem EAP has resources available to assist you and your family members through this unsettling and difficult time.
To access COVID-19 related resources, go to www.anthemeap.com. In the company code box, enter MMEHT and select the Coronavirus (COVID-19) content in the News for You section.