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Coronavirus

COVID-19 expanded benefits update

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Health Advantage are committed to the safety and well-being of our members. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 public health emergency, we’ve been working closely with the state and federal government to help our fully insured members get access to the care they need during the coronavirus outbreak.

Status of COVID-19 expanded benefits

At the outset of the pandemic, Arkansas Blue Cross and Health Advantage temporarily extended a number of voluntary, expanded COVID-19-related benefits and suspended some of our normal practices.

Of course, those measures covered under federal mandates will remain in force until federal officials advise that they may be discontinued. Officials have announced the federal mandate will continue through April 15, 2022.

Please note: Decisions about coverage changes for members of self-funded health plans served by BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas or Health Advantage are made by the employers or plan sponsors who fund those self-funded programs. If you have questions about coverage, please call the number on the back of the health plan member ID card.

Here is an updated rundown of the status of COVID-19-related benefits and measures:

Coverage (at no cost to our members) of COVID-19 diagnostic tests ordered by healthcare providers.

  • This applies to diagnostic testing services that meet primary coverage criteria for COVID-19 as defined by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and are ordered by a healthcare provider.

Waiver of cost-sharing for medical services for our fully insured members whose primary diagnosis is COVID-19.

  • This includes COVID-19-specific visits to an in-network medical clinic, urgent care center and/or emergency room and inpatient treatment for which COVID-19 is the primary diagnosis.

Status: These measures will remain in force until the public health emergency declaration is terminated by the federal government. Application of copays, coinsurance, deductibles, etc., should be suspended until these benefits are discontinued.