At MedCost, our clients entrust us to administer health benefits for their most valuable asset—their people. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and have deployed our business continuity plan to protect the health of our employees while safeguarding our ability to perform the services our clients and their health plan members rely on.
To help you and your members, we want to share some specific plan-related considerations:
Benefit Design
- All Plans – All medical plans for MedCost clients include coverage for testing and treatment (in office and, if covered, virtual) of COVID-19, which is covered subject to normal cost-sharing. To remove barriers to members seeking care, health plan sponsors may waive applicable cost-sharing (co-pays, co-insurance, deductibles) for testing and/or treatment of COVID-19. If requested, MedCost is prepared to swiftly facilitate the changes via a signed plan amendment. Your Account Manager will contact you directly to discuss this option in more detail with you.
- For HSA-Eligible High Deductible Health Plans – On March 11, 2020, the IRS issued a notice declaring that HSA-eligible High Deductible Health Plans are permitted to cover coronavirus testing and treatment (in office and, if covered, virtual) before cost-sharing (similar to preventive coverage). See IRS Notice 2020-15. As a result, though not required, employers who chose to do so may pay for testing and/or treatment for COVID-19 under HDHPs without requiring that members first meet their deductibles, and it will not interfere with members’ ability to contribute to HSA accounts. As noted above, MedCost is prepared to assist you with making swift adjustments to plan design and administration should you wish to expand coverage. Your Account Manager will contact you to discuss this option in more detail.
Precertification of Testing Services
MedCost does not require precertification on COVID-19 testing or treatment services (except in the event of a non-emergent inpatient admission).
Teladoc Services
For clients with Teladoc, your members have convenient access to virtual doctor consultations. Teladoc physicians provide up-to-date, evidence-based supportive care to screen for possible COVID-19 cases and relieve symptoms for affected patients. Most cases of the virus are mild and can be safely managed via an at-home care plan. Note: If your health plan offers Teladoc with a co-pay, you have the option to temporarily waive the co-pay for your members. Please let your Account Manager know if you would like to exercise this option.
Mental Well-Being Services
For clients with MedCost Behavioral Health, online emotional support is available for your members. myStrength has multiple resources available for participants regarding coping skills and management of fear and anxiety related to COVID-19. Members can access myStrength from the secure member portal on MedCost.com/MyMedCost, under the Healthy & Whole option.
Pharmacy (PBM) Services
For employers working with OptumRx, the “refill-too-soon" edits will be lifted for all groups/members. Members with active eligibility may obtain an early refill of their prescription medications if they have refills remaining on file at a participating retail or mail-order pharmacy. The refill obtained will stay consistent with the standard days’ supply previously filled by the member as allowed by their plan (e.g., 30- or 90-day supply). OptumRx will continuously evaluate this change to determine the appropriate duration based on CDC guidance, Federal and State declarations, and other relevant data. If you are not utilizing OptumRx, you should contact your PBM directly.
Online Access for Members
As always, your plan members can access information about their benefits 24/7 by logging in to their member account at MedCost.com/MyMedCost. The My MedCost mobile app (available for download from the App Store or Google Play) also allows them to access their favorite web features. And, during regular business hours, members can call the number shown on their health plan ID card or access Live Chat to get real-time answers and support from MedCost Customer Service.
As an organization, MedCost is committed to maintaining a safe workplace. We have implemented a work from home policy effective Monday, March 16, 2020, and have travel restrictions in place. As always, MedCost will work closely with our clients and their health plan members to offer additional flexibility and special considerations as needed.