Thursday, June 4, 2020

State Health Plan Extends Waivers For COVID-19 Test, Treatment Costs to July 31 CVS Pharmacy Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Free for Plan Members

Raleigh
Jun 4, 2020

(Raleigh, N.C.) – State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, and the State Health Plan (Plan) today announced that the Plan is extending the cost waiver for COVID-19 testing and treatment for members diagnosed with COVID-19, including associated deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, until July 31.

The member cost-share coverage for COVID-19 testing and treatments extends the previous June 1 waiver through July 31, 2020, at which time the Plan will re-evaluate this and other measures. This coverage applies to members enrolled in the 80/20 Plan, 70/30 Plan and High Deductible Health Plan. This action helps ensure that members continue to receive the COVID-19 testing and treatment they need.

“Speaking on behalf of State Health Plan Executive Director Dee Jones and the Plan Board of Trustees, as COVID-19 testing becomes more readily available, we don’t want any barriers to our members getting tests when and where they need them,” said Treasurer Folwell. “From personal experience, I know the importance of prompt, effective care. I urge our Plan members to continue working to keep themselves and their families safe and virus-free.”

In addition, the Plan is also waiving the cost for the new drive-through COVID-19 testing at select North Carolina CVS Pharmacy locations. Members must register in advance to schedule an appointment and will need to follow instructions during registration, which includes a questionnaire. Members will be required to stay in their cars and will be directed to the pharmacy drive-through window, where they will be provided with a test kit and given instructions. Results will be available in about three days. A complete list of CVS Pharmacy drive-through test sites can be found here.

The Plan is also waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day prescriptions for maintenance medications until June 15, 2020. Member cost-sharing will apply as normal.

More information can be found on the State Health Plan website under Coronavirus Updates.

The State Health Plan, a division of the N.C. Department of State Treasurer, provides health care coverage to more than 727,000 teachers, state employees, current and former lawmakers, state university and community college personnel and their dependents, including non-Medicare and Medicare retirees.