Coronavirus (COVID-19) - What You Should Know

Call your doctor if you develop a fever, have a cough, or have difficulty breathing. Let your doctor know if you’ve been in close contact with a person known to have Coronavirus (COVID-19), or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area where the coronavirus virus has spread. Be sure to carefully follow your doctors’ instructions.

You can also receive virtual care. The Healthfirst Teladoc (telehealth) service is available for eligible members* and is covered for coronavirus related services. If you think you may be infected, Teladoc doctors can answer questions about the disease, evaluate your risk, and advise you on next steps. The Teladoc clinical team is trained on the latest protocols for local and national notification, testing, and management of people under investigation for the coronavirus.

Request a Teladoc visit by phone at 1-800-Teladoc (1-800-835-2362) or by visiting this website.

* This service is not yet available for Medicaid, Child Health Plus (CHP), and Senior Health Partners (SHP) plan members.

Will my Healthfirst benefits cover Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and evaluation?
Healthfirst is waiving co-pays for all diagnostic testing and evaluations related to coronavirus. This means that if your PCP or in-network provider orders a coronavirus test, your Healthfirst health plan will cover the cost for the test and the in-network provider visit related to the coronavirus evaluation. You will not be subject to any cost sharing for the test or the in-network provider visit.

Can I get back-up refills of prescriptions if I’m concerned about the spread of coronavirus?
At this time members enrolled in all Healthfirst plans may get a one-time refill for a 30-day supply of chronic medication while the State of Emergency is in effect in New York.

• This includes diabetic medication
• This excludes controlled substances, injectables, and intravenous infusions

Mail Order Prescriptions:
Members can continue their current mail order arrangements and request a one-time refill for a 30-day supply of chronic medication while the State of Emergency is in effect in New York.

If You Use A CVS Pharmacy:
Members may contact their CVS pharmacy to arrange for a delivery, or transfer their existing prescriptions to a pharmacy that does provide delivery. For members going to a CVS Pharmacy, delivery fees will be waived.

What can I do to stay healthy?
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes Coronavirus (COVID-19). Check the CDC website for up-to-date information. If you’re traveling, you’ll want to visit the CDC travel page for their most current travel guidelines.

Good health habits can also help prevent and fight coronavirus. You should:

• 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.
• If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when sick. This includes staying home from work, school, errands, and travel for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone.
• Cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces like phones, keyboards, and doorknobs.
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink lots of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Where can I find more information on coronavirus?

You can find more information on coronavirus at these links: