Positioned for Future Success:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Enters Into Definitive Agreement to be Acquired by Elevance Health
Deal will result in $3 billion foundation focused on improving Louisiana
Effective Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, if any of our eligible members buy over-the-counter test kits, they will get reimbursed based on the federal guidance. Please read this information about how this works with your Blue Cross or HMO Louisiana plan.
Rules for over-the-counter COVID-19 test reimbursement:
Best steps to get COVID-19 over-the-counter tests reimbursed:
In Louisiana and nationally, there have been reports of scammers selling fake COVID-19 test kits and claiming you can be reimbursed later if you pay them now. If you buy COVID-19 test kits, it’s best to buy them from a pharmacy or other health supplies store. Make sure the test has a U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorization so you know it’s a real test. And, be wary of anyone who approaches you, cold calls or reaches out by email or text offering to sell you COVID-19 test kits. If you think you’ve been the victim of a scam, report it:
Blue Cross Fraud Help Line: 1-800-392-9249
Federal Fraud Reporting: 1-800-CALL-FBI or Report Fraud.FTC.Gov
Questions?
To ask questions, please call the Pharmacy number on your Blue Cross or HMO Louisiana ID card. If you do not have a Pharmacy number on the back of your card, please check with your employer or the company who handles your pharmacy benefits.
COVID-19 Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines are available to Louisianians ages 6 months and up. Get vaccinated as soon as you can to take your best shot at ending the pandemic and help build more immunity in our community.
Visit the Louisiana Department of Health website to see a current list of vaccine locations. Nonprofits and local organizations around the state are offering free rides to and from vaccine sites. If transportation is a challenge for you, call the statewide 211 network to ask about programs near you.
Things to Know About Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine or Booster:
Get the vaccine that’s available to you soonest. There are three types of COVID-19 vaccines being given in Louisiana. All three vaccines were reviewed under the same thorough, scientific process before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized them to be given to patients. And, all three were found safe and effective at preventing deaths and severe outcomes from COVID-19. Unless your healthcare provider has advised you to get a specific vaccine type because of age, allergies or other concerns, get whichever shot you can. The FDA has given full approval to the Pfizer vaccine. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine are available under emergency use authorization. Those vaccine makers are also applying for full FDA approval.
Health officials recommend boosters for everyone 5 and older. Boosters enhance the protection from your original COVID-19 vaccine so your immune system stays prepared to recognize and fight off COVID-19. How soon you need a booster shot and how many you need depends on your health history and risk factors. Ask your healthcare provider if you’re not sure which type of booster you should get or when you need one.
You will not pay anything out of pocket for the vaccine or booster. Patients on individual and employer health insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid can get any FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine or booster for $0. This no-cost coverage is included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which also allows uninsured patients to get the vaccine or booster for $0. Blue Cross will cover the vaccine’s administration without any member cost-share (deductible, copay or coinsurance) on most health plans. If you have questions about vaccine coverage on your health plan, contact Customer Service at the number on your member ID card.
It’s important to get information about COVID-19 and the vaccine from trustworthy sources. Do not just go by what you hear others talking about or see posted online. Some sources you can visit are:
Slow the Spread
It is very important that Louisianians 5 and older get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they can, especially if you have family members younger than 5 or who cannot get the vaccine for other reasons. If you have concerns or questions about the vaccine, ask your healthcare provider for guidance. Even if you’ve had COVID-19, you should still get the vaccine. Medical experts advise that the vaccine provides longer and more effective protection than any natural immunity those who have had COVID-19 build up.
It’s also important that everyone, vaccinated or not, takes steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.
In addition to getting the vaccine as soon as you can and wearing a face mask in public, take these steps to prevent getting or spreading COVID-19:
Three ways you can get your over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at no cost:
If you pay for the tests out of pocket, ask for a pharmacy receipt. Click below for instructions on how to submit a reimbursement claim.
COVID Defense App
The state of Louisiana has an app that alerts you if you were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. The app is available for Apple and Android devices.
COVID Safe
Visit the Baton Rouge Health District’s COVID-19 vaccine site to get information from local health leaders. Use the digital toolbox to jazz up your vaccine social posts.
Vaccine Social Graphics