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Information you can trust is a powerful thing. Get answers to common questions related to COVID-19 vaccine, coverage, treatment, in-home care and state specific information on the Frequently Asked Questions below. . You can also follow the latest COVID-19 information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here(link opens in new window).
Vaccines are an important tool to help communities fight the spread of COVID-19 and help people stay healthy. We strongly encourage all CarePlus members to consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine when they are eligible. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
It is critically important to continue following the advice of health professionals in order to minimize the chances of catching or spreading the disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands remain the best protections against the virus.
ALERT: As of May 12, 2021, the CDC recommends the expanded use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to include adolescents 12 through 15 years of age. The FDA has determined that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has met the statutory criteria to amend the emergency use authorization (EUA), and that the known and potential benefits of this vaccine in individuals 12 years of age and older outweigh the known and potential risks, supporting the vaccine’s use in this population.
See the full FDA statement here (link opens in new window) and the CDC Director's statement here (link opens in new window).
What vaccines are available for COVID-19?
There are currently three FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech®, Moderna®, and Johnson & Johnson® have all received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) in the United States, meaning that they can be made available to the public during the pandemic.
Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective?
Yes. In order to receive emergency use authorization from the FDA, vaccines must pass rigorous safety and efficacy trials. According to the CDC, “Clinical trials of all vaccines must first show they are safe and effective before any vaccine can be authorized or approved for use, including COVID-19 vaccines.”
Safety: According to the CDC, “The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Learn how federal partners are working together to ensure the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.(link opens in new window)”
Note that the CDC and FDA released a statement on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine stating that, “women younger than 50 years old should be aware of the rare risk of blood clots with low platelets after vaccination, and that other COVID-19 vaccines are available where this risk has not been seen.” If you received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, here is what you need to know.(link opens in new window)
Efficacy: The CDC states that, “All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. According to the CDC, both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are reported to be about 94% to 95% effective in preventing COVID-19. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is reported to be about 72% effective at preventing COVID-19 in trials conducted in the U.S., 85% effective at preventing severe disease and was 100% effective in preventing hospitalization and death. Learn more about the different COVID-19 vaccines(link opens in new window).”
Who is eligible to get the vaccine?
Effective May 12, 2021, everyone in the United States 12 years of age and older is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. People 18 years and older can get any of the available vaccines. The Pfizer vaccine is currently the only COVID-19 vaccine available for those age 12 and 17.
For the latest information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC’s website (link opens in new window).
Is one vaccine better than another?
Fortunately, all vaccines that are out on the market and approved for use have been rigorously reviewed for both efficacy and safety.
As the CDC has reported, the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines did show higher effectiveness at preventing overall incidence of COVID-19 illness in their trials than the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. However, it is important to note that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was tested during a time with more contagious and virulent disease variants than the ones that existed during the Moderna and Pfizer trials. Despite those conditions, the J&J vaccine significantly reduced all COVID-19 infections, and was 100% effective in preventing hospitalization and death from COVID-19 during the trial.
Note that the CDC and FDA released a statement on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine stating that, “women younger than 50 years old should be aware of the rare risk of blood clots with low platelets after vaccination, and that other COVID-19 vaccines are available where this risk has not been seen.” If you received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, here is what you need to know (link opens in new window).
Sources:
Where can I get the vaccine?
Vaccine supply is increasing rapidly and securing appointments has become less challenging. There are several places to look to receive the vaccine:
For more information, visit How Do I Get a COVID-19 Vaccine | CDC (link opens in new window).
Should I be concerned about scams when I’m looking for the vaccine?
Wherever you get the vaccine, it is important to confirm the source is safe and reputable to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. A recent warning from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provides information on potential indicators of COVID-19 vaccine related fraud and tips on how to avoid it. View the FBI’s warning(link opens in new window).
If you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can:
What should I bring and do when I go to get my vaccination?
Remember to bring a government-issued ID with you when you get your vaccination. Because age is an important criterion for eligibility in most states, many vaccine providers are requiring a government-issued ID showing date of birth as proof of age.
CarePlus members should remember to bring your Medicare card and your CarePlus member ID card when you get your vaccine in case the vaccine provider requests it.
While the federal government is covering the cost of the vaccine for all Americans, some providers may charge a fee for administering the vaccine. There won’t be any cost to you, but having your card will ensure the provider can receive reimbursement for administering the vaccine to you. For more information on costs, see the “Will I be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to me” FAQ below.
Are there any side effects from the vaccine?
It is possible that you will experience some side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC, “After COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection”. Common vaccine side effects highlighted by the CDC range from pain at the injection site to flu-like symptoms. Learn more from the CDC on dealing with symptoms and when to call the doctor (link opens in new window).
There have been extremely rare incidents of significant allergic reactions reported. The CDC is working with vaccine providers to put safeguards in place for dealing with severe allergic reactions. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and severe allergic reaction here (link opens in new window).
Note that the CDC and FDA released a statement on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine stating that, “women younger than 50 years old should be aware of the rare risk of blood clots with low platelets after vaccination, and that other COVID-19 vaccines are available where this risk has not been seen.” If you received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, here is what you need to know.(link opens in new window)
After receiving the vaccine, consider signing up for V-safe from the CDC. “V-safe is a smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Through v-safe, you can quickly tell CDC if you have any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Depending on your answers, someone from CDC may call to check on you and get more information. And v-safe will remind you to get your second COVID-19 vaccine dose if you need one.” Learn more about V-safe here (link opens in new window).
How is it administered? How many doses will I need?
The COVID-19 vaccines will be delivered via injection. Some will require two doses to maximize their effectiveness. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine requires two shots administered about 21 days apart. The Moderna vaccine requires two shots administered about 28 days apart. It is critical that you schedule and receive the second dose in order to receive the most protection possible.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires just one shot.
What can I do once I am fully vaccinated?
As of May 13, 2021, the CDC has announced that fully vaccinated people can resume pre-pandemic activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. The CDC recommends continued observance of travel protocols and, if you have symptoms of COVID-19, testing and staying at home or away from others.
Individuals will still be required to wear a mask on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States, and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations. In addition, fully vaccinated international travelers arriving in the United States are still required to get tested within 3 days of their flight (or show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 in the past 3 months) and should still get tested 3-5 days after their trip.
Learn More: When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated | CDC (link opens in new window)
What if I am high risk or have a specific medical condition?
If you have concerns due to your health status or a specific medical condition, consult with your doctor about whether the vaccine is appropriate for you and the safest way to get it.
If you have an underlying or chronic medical condition, make sure you are in communication with your doctor during this pandemic. Getting these conditions well-managed—by staying on top of your preventive and regular medical care—will help to manage your health risk during this pandemic. This is one of the best ways to protect yourself while awaiting the availability of the vaccine.
If someone has already tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies, is a COVID-19 vaccination necessary and why?
Yes. Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 antibodies should still get the COVID-19 vaccine to prevent potential re-infection and safeguard against false-positive test results. A false-positive antibody test would lead an individual to believe they have COVID-19 antibodies when they, in fact, do not.
In cases where the antibody test is accurate, vaccination is still important because it is unknown how long the COVID-19 antibodies in a person’s system may offer protection from the virus - and how high the antibody levels would need to be to offer that protection. Additionally, there have been some reports of people getting re-infected with the virus, which indicates that the natural immunity may wear off over time. 5
How long should someone wait to get vaccinated for COVID-19 if they’ve already had the COVID-19 virus?
Individuals who have previously been infected with COVID-19 should still get the COVID-19 vaccine to prevent potential re-infection. The timing for vaccination should align with CDC-recommendations, which depend upon severity of the infection.
Is it safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as the flu or other vaccines?
Individuals should not get the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as any other vaccinations. The CDC recommends that the COVID-19 vaccine be administered at least 14 days before or after any other vaccine.
For example, after getting the COVID-19 vaccine, one should wait at least 14 days before getting any other vaccine, including for the flu or shingles. Similarly, if another vaccination is administered first, one should wait at least 14 days before getting the COVID-19 vaccine. 7
Will I be able to get the vaccine at no charge to me?
Yes. All FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines will be covered at no additional cost for CarePlus members during the Public Health Emergency. Coverage applies no matter where you get the vaccine—including at both in-network and out-of-network providers. It also covers instances in which two vaccine doses are required.
Please remember to bring your Medicare card and your CarePlus member ID card when you get your vaccine in case the vaccine provider requests it.
In the unlikely event you require medical treatment due to adverse effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, CarePlus will cover that treatment in accordance with your policy and as with any other covered medical service or treatment.
What if I was charged for my vaccine and need to be reimbursed?
Vaccine doses purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars will be given to the American people at no cost. However, vaccination providers may charge an administration fee for giving someone the shots. If you’ve been vaccinated and you received a bill – either for the vaccine itself or for its administration - you can file for reimbursement directly from CarePlus.
Note that there are separate claim forms for the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Please note it can take up to 60 days to process the claim, and the reimbursement will be sent as a check to the home address we have on file for you.
DISCLAIMER:
This material is provided for informational use only and should not be construed as medical advice or used in place of consulting a licensed medical professional. If you are in a life-threatening or emergency medical situation, please dial 9-1-1 and seek medical attention immediately.
Who is going to be receiving care kits from CarePlus?
We are providing care kits to all CarePlus members, while supplies last. We are only currently able to supply our members with this care kit. The CDC’s directions for making your own mask can be found here (link opens in new window).
What exactly will the CarePlus COVID care kit include?
The care kit contains one washable facemask, as well as instructions on how to care for the mask.
When should I expect to receive my CarePlus COVID care kit?
Care kits were delivered to existing members’ homes in the summer of 2020 and will continue to be sent to new members and upon request while supplies last.
How can I get more CarePlus COVID care kits?
We currently do not have additional supplies. We will be monitoring the situation with our members to determine how we can continue to support them during this difficult time. The CDC’s directions for making your own mask can be found here (link opens in new window).
How long do the masks last? Can they be washed? If so, how many times? Can I receive additional masks if needed?
The masks can be washed 30 times. We currently do not have an additional supply and will be monitoring the situation with our members to determine how we can continue to support them during this difficult time.
How can I get help with food and groceries, securing prescription refills and solving routine medical issues to help avoid a trip to the doctor or Emergency Room?
CarePlus is working to ensure members in need have access to basic necessities – including food, medication access and access to care. CarePlus is providing resources to members and connecting members with community organizations in their local areas. Members who are having difficulty obtaining these necessities can call the number on the back of their CarePlus member ID card for support.
Who should NOT wear a mask?
According to the CDC, cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
About Cloth Face Coverings. (2020, May 22). Retrieved June 18, 2020, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html (link opens in new window>
Is CarePlus covering out-of-pocket costs for treatment related to confirmed cases of COVID-19?
For the 2021 plan year, CarePlus will cover out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 treatment for all CarePlus members. Members will have no copays, deductibles or coinsurance out-of-pocket costs for covered services for treatment of confirmed cases of COVID-19, regardless of where the treatment takes place. This could include telehealth, primary care physician visits, specialty physician visits, facility visits, labs, home-health and ambulance services.
Members are encouraged to check their plan documents (Evidence of Coverage) for details about their 2021 coverage.
Regarding COVID-19 treatment, what medications will CarePlus cover?
CarePlus will cover FDA-approved medications as they become available. This includes Veklury® (remdesivir), which has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalization. If a member is prescribed non-FDA-approved medications for the treatment of COVID-19, he or she will be responsible for any cost sharing required per his or her plan benefit design. Non-FDA approved drugs are excluded Part D drugs and ineligible for any Part D coverage.
Does this impact in- and out-of-network claims?
CarePlus encourages members to continue to seek care from the healthcare providers they already know. We will cover eligible members’ copays, deductibles or coinsurance costs for in-network or out-of-network COVID-19-related covered benefits while the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) is in effect.
Should I cancel my in-home care appointments because of COVID-19?
No. Your care is important, and it’s vital to maintain coordination with your healthcare providers. If you have a history of recent travel and symptoms like fever, cough or shortness of breath, please consult your healthcare provider. Call ahead before you request a home visit and tell the representative about your symptoms and any recent travel.
What can you do?
Take precautions as recommended by the CDC. There is no vaccine for the virus that causes COVID-19 at this time, although, many scientists are working around the clock on this.
The CDC recommends washing your hands often to maintain your health, especially during these key times when you are likely to get or spread germs:3, 4
The following hand washing procedures will help reduce your risk of infection:4
If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, follow the steps below to care for yourself and to help protect other people in your home and community.5
Don’t fall for coronavirus scams
Here is some important information to help you recognize and protect yourself from scammers trying to take advantage of the ongoing coronavirus situation.
What you should know:
What you should do:
And always, check back with www.careplushealthplans.com/coronavirus (link opens in new window) regularly for information you can trust.
For more information, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s coronavirus scam alert (link opens in new window) site.
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