We encourage you to learn more about the COVID-19 coronavirus by visiting the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  In addition, the Maine Municipal Association has created a section on their website for important information and resources about COVID-19.

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention Updates

Maine Municipal Coronavirus Resources

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

The following questions are ones we have received multiple times from our members regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  Please contact us with further questions.


Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

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.

CDC Vaccine Information

 

Will I have to pay for the vaccine?

No. As required by the federal CARES Act, there will be $0 member cost share for the vaccine and its administration during the national public health emergency, regardless of whether you get the vaccine from an in-network or out-of-network provider.

 

How will the test and treatment for COVID-19 be covered?

Testing (including diagnostic testing) for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, will be covered with no member cost shares as required by federal mandate guidance, until the state of emergency resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is lifted.  In addition, all medically necessary treatment services related to COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, will be covered with no member cost shares, when such treatment is received from doctors, hospitals, and other professionals that participate in the Anthem network, through  June 30, 2021.

Find a Covid-19 Testing Site


If I have COVID-19, will the Income Protection Plan (IPP) cover me?

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and have IPP coverage, you would be under a physician’s care and the physician would provide the information on the Income Protection Plan claim form, which Unum would review. If you are restricted from working by your physician, you would most likely be approved.

If you are self-quarantined but you are not ill, you would generally not be eligible to receive disability benefits without a medical condition that results in restrictions and limitations.


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 Coronavirus 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 August 31, 2021, cost shares for telehealth and telephone-only visits, including visits for mental health, will be waived for providers in the Anthem network.

 

Extension of Deadlines

Due to the covid-19 outbreak, the President declared a National Emergency beginning March 1, 2020.  In order to provide individuals with additional time to make important decisions regarding their health insurance benefits during this National Emergency, the federal Department of Labor has extended certain pre-established timeframes, as described below.

Individuals covered by the Trust, as well as those not currently covered but eligible for coverage, may be eligible for an extension 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 are 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 (which, as of the date of this notice, has yet to be announced):

  • 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.

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.

 

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.