COVID-19 COVERAGE FOR GLOBALHEALTH MEMBERS

GlobalHealth is committed to helping our members and our employees stay informed about COVID-19. We are closely monitoring the situation and following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the state health department.

GlobalHealth does not require prior authorization and won’t apply member cost shares for testing to diagnose COVID-19.

No Cost COVID-19 Vaccine Information:

You cannot be denied the COVID-19 vaccination based on your coverage or network status. All recipients who choose to receive the vaccine will receive it at 100% no cost. You cannot be charged an office visit or other fee(s) if the COVID-19 vaccination is the sole medical service provided. You cannot be required additional medical services to receive the vaccine.

For questions about your coverage, please call the number on your member ID card.

What are the symptoms of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

The coronavirus may cause cold or flu-like symptoms, but the primary symptoms are:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

At this time, there is no specific medication to treat the virus. Treatment is directed at relieving the symptoms.

What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?

If you feel sick and have recently traveled by airplane or cruise ship or to an identified high-risk area, or you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, call your doctor’s office and follow his/her instructions. Before you go to a doctor’s office, urgent care, or emergency room, call first and tell them about any recent travel and symptoms you are having.

What can you do to keep yourself and others healthy?

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The virus is thought to primarily spread from person to person through respiratory droplets such as sneezing or coughing. The best way to stop the spread of the virus is to prevent exposure.

1. Stay home when you are sick.
2. Cover your mouth or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your arm or elbow.
3. Don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.
4. Avoid being close to someone who is sick – stay at least three feet away.
5. Clean and disinfect often-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
6. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
7. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
8. Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
   1. If you are well, the CDC does not recommend you wear a facemask.
   2. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should wear a facemask to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
   3. If you’re taking care of someone with COVID-19, you should wear a facemask.

For more information

Visit the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html.

Need help?

Please call the number on the back of your member ID card if you have any questions.

FRAUD SCAM ALERT FROM HHS

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General is alerting the public about fraud schemes related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Scammers are offering COVID-19 tests to Medicare beneficiaries in exchange for personal details, including Medicare information. However, the services are unapproved and illegitimate.

Fraudsters are targeting beneficiaries in a number of ways, including telemarketing calls, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits.

These scammers use the coronavirus pandemic to benefit themselves, and beneficiaries face potential harms. The personal information collected can be used to fraudulently bill Federal health care programs and commit medical identity theft. If Medicare or Medicaid denies the claim for an unapproved test, the beneficiary could be responsible for the cost.

Protect Yourself

• Beneficiaries should be cautious of unsolicited requests for their Medicare or Medicaid numbers.
• Be suspicious of any unexpected calls or visitors offering COVID-19 tests or supplies. If your personal information is compromised, it may be used in other fraud schemes.
• Ignore offers or advertisements for COVID-19 testing or treatments on social media sites.
• A physician or other trusted healthcare provider should assess your condition and approve any requests for COVID-19 testing.
• If you suspect COVID-19 fraud, contact National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline (866) 720-5721 or [email protected]

HEALTH CARE FRAUD REGARDING COVID-19 VACCINES

GlobalHealth wants our members to be informed about COVID-19 vaccine related scams. Below are potential COVID-19 schemes targeting the public by methods including unsolicited phone calls, door-to-door visits, and on social media platforms. Scams generally include the following:   

• Advertisements or offers for early access to a vaccine upon payment of a deposit or fee
• Requests asking you to pay out-of-pocket to obtain the vaccine or to put your name on a COVID-19 vaccine waiting list
• Offers to undergo additional medical testing or procedures when obtaining a vaccine
• Offering to sell and/or ship doses of a vaccine, domestically or internationally, in exchange for payment of a deposit or fee
• Unsolicited emails, telephone calls, or personal contact from someone claiming to be from a medical office, insurance company, or COVID-19 vaccine center requesting personal and/or medical information to determine recipients’ eligibility to participate in clinical vaccine trials or obtain the vaccine
• Claims of FDA approval for vaccine that cannot be verified
• Advertisements for vaccines through social media platforms, email, telephone calls, online, or from unsolicited/unknown sources
• Individuals contacting you in person, by phone, or by email to tell you the government or government officials require you to receive a COVID-19 vaccine

If GlobalHealth members believe they may have experienced health care fraud or attempted fraud, they should report it by calling 1-877-280-5852 — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When calling, you may remain anonymous or provide your contact information.