What you should know about the COVID-19 Vaccine

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: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 Vaccine

On April 13, 2021 the FDA and CDC released a joint statement about the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine that recommended a pause in the use of the J&J vaccine out of an abundance of caution:

• As of April 13, The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Food and Drug Administration have recommended that the United States pause the use of Johnson & Johnson Janssen’s Covid-19 vaccine over six reported US cases of a "rare and severe" type of blood clot.
• The six reported cases were among more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine administered in the United States as of April 12.
• All six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred 6 to 13 days after vaccination.

INFORMATION ON THE ADVERSE EFFECTS:

• According to the CDC, right now, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare.
• Unlike typical vaccine side effects that can range from injection site pain to flu-like symptoms, the CDC recommends that people who have received the J&J vaccine and develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should inform their doctor or seek medical attention immediately.

1. Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

   Yes. 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.

   Note that the CDC and FDA recently recommended a pause in use of the J&J vaccine out of an abundance of caution, following reports of 6 cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot occurring out of 6.8 million doses of the J&J vaccine that have been administered in the United States as of April 12.

2. 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 recently recommended a pause in use of the J&J vaccine out of an abundance of caution, following reports of 6 cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot occurring out of 6.8 million doses of the J&J vaccine that have been administered in the United States as of April 12.

   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).”

   Read more about the benefits of getting the COVID-19 Vaccine from the CDC here (link opens in new window)

3. Can I choose which vaccine I want to get? Is one vaccine better than another?

   At this time, due to the limited availability of vaccine, it is likely not possible to select which vaccine to receive. 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.

   Given the impressive safety and effectiveness of all the available COVID-19 vaccines, it is most prudent to receive any of the available approved vaccine at your earliest opportunity, rather than waiting until later when there might be more availability of vaccine choices.

   Note that the CDC and FDA recently recommended a pause in use of the J&J vaccine out of an abundance of caution, following reports of 6 cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot occurring out of 6.8 million doses of the J&J vaccine that have been administered in the United States as of April 12.

   Sources:

   https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html(link opens in new window)

   https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html(link opens in new window)

   https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/janssen.html(link opens in new window)

4. Who is eligible to get the vaccine?

   Because of limited initial supply, the CDC has recommended that the vaccine be distributed in phases, beginning with those most at risk. For Phase 1a of the distribution, CDC recommended healthcare workers and residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities receive the vaccine first. CDC recently updated its recommendation for the next rollout phases.

   The CDC recommends that in Phase 1b and Phase 1c, which may overlap, vaccination should be offered to people in the following groups.

   Phase 1b:

   • Frontline essential workers such as fire fighters, police officers, corrections officers, food and agricultural workers, United States Postal Service workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, and those who work in the educational sector (teachers, support staff, and daycare workers.)
   • People aged 75 years and older because they are at high risk of hospitalization, illness, and death from COVID-19. People aged 75 years and older who are also residents of long-term care facilities should be offered vaccination in Phase 1a.

   Phase 1c:

   • People aged 65—74 years because they are at high risk of hospitalization, illness, and death from COVID-19. People aged 65—74 years who are also residents of long-term care facilities should be offered vaccination in Phase 1a.
   • People aged 16—64 years with underlying medical conditions which increase the risk of serious, life-threatening complications from COVID-19.
   • Other essential workers, such as people who work in transportation and logistics, food service, housing construction and finance, information technology, communications, energy, law, media, public safety, and public health.

   For the latest information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC’s website(link opens in new window).

   State and local prioritization phases may differ from the CDC’s recommendations and we encourage members to visit the Florida Department of Health(link opens in new window) for additional information.

5. When will I be able to get the vaccine?

   It is important to note that states are developing their own prioritization plans based on the CDC’s recommendations, so eligible groups may vary somewhat from state to state. Click on the links below for Florida vaccine resources:

   Click here for vaccine program details(link opens in new window).

   Click here to find vaccination locations(link opens in new window).

   Click here to pre-register for vaccination(link opens in new window).

6. Where will I be able to get the vaccine, once it becomes available for me?

   Vaccine supply is increasing rapidly. However, availability can still be inconsistent, and securing appointments for vaccination can be challenging. There are several places to look when you are eligible to receive the vaccine: Check your state’s health department web site to learn about options for availability in your state or territory.

   You can also check with retail pharmacies in your area that are participating in The Federal Retail Pharmacy Program for COVID-19 Vaccination. This program is a collaboration between the federal government, pharmacy partners, and states and territories to increase nationwide access to COVID-19 vaccination. Per the CDC, “this partnership involves 21 national pharmacy partners and independent pharmacy networks, representing over 40,000 retail and long-term care pharmacy locations nationwide.”

   Visit the CDC’s webpage(link opens in new window) and click on Florida for a dropdown list of participating pharmacies in your state.

   Finally, VaccineFinder(link opens in new window) is a free resource offered by Boston Children’s Hospital in partnership with the CDC, where users may search for information on COVID-19 vaccine availability in their area. Please note that the level of detail in the tool currently varies state by state, and some states may have limited information while more pharmacies and providers are added in the coming weeks.

7. 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 here(link opens in new window).

   If you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, you can:

   • File a complaint with the National Center for Disaster Fraud (link opens in new window) (NCDF) through the NCDF Web Complaint Form (link opens in new window) or call their hotline at 866-720-5721, 24 hours, 7 days a week
   • Report it to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (link opens in new window)
   • Contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (link opens in new window)

8. 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.

9. Are there any side effects?

   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).

   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).

10. 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 efficacy. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine requires two shots administered about 21 days apart. The Moderna vaccine requires two shots administered about 28 days apart. Remember that you will not get maximum protection from just 1 dose of these vaccines. 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.

11. What can I do once I am fully vaccinated?

    Once fully vaccinated, you will still need to take precautions. The CDC has put out new recommendations for what you can do, and what protocols should continue to be observed after you have been fully vaccinated.

    Learn More: When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated | CDC( opens in new window)

12. 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.

13. 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

    SOURCE: (1) Hackensack Health(opens in new window)

14. 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.

    • In COVID-19 cases that are mild and do not require hospitalization, an individual should wait through the CDC-recommended isolation period before getting vaccinated. For most people, this means 10 days after symptom onset and resolution of fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever- reducing medications.
    • For more severe COVID-19 infections that were treated with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, the CDC is recommending a 90 day wait, so that your immune system is recovered and ready. ⁶

    SOURCE: (1) CDC(opens in new window)

15. 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. ¹

    SOURCE: (1) CDC(opens in new window)

16. 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.

    • Original Medicare is responsible for coverage of COVID-19 vaccinations during calendar years 2020 and 2021. Your vaccine provider will submit vaccine-related charges to Medicare and you will not be responsible for those costs.

    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.

17. 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.

    1. Complete all information requested on the appropriate Health Benefits Claim Form below:
       • Moderna vaccine claim form (PDF opens in new window)
       • Pfizer vaccine claim form (PDF opens in new window)
       • Johnson & Johnson vaccine claim form(PDF opens in new window)
    2. Enclose the original itemized bill(s) you paid.
    3. Mail the completed form with the original itemized bill(s) and proof of payment to:
       CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. Attention: Member Services Department
       11430 NW 20th Street, Suite 300
       Miami, FL 33172

    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.

Sources

1. “Information about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed January 26, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html (link opens in new window", opens new window
2. “Information about the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed January 26, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html (link opens in new window)
3. “Overview of Janssen’s Single-Dose COVID-19 Vaccine, Ad26.COV2,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed March 1, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/downloads/slides-2021-02/28-03-01/02-COVID-Douoguih.pdf(PDF opens in new window)
4. “Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed February 24, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html(link opens in new window)
5. “Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed February 24, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html(link opens in new window)
6. “Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed February 24, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html(link opens in new window)
7. “Frequently Asked Influenza (Flu) Questions: 2020–2021 Season,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed February 24, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm(link opens in new window)

1. 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).

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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).

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

Sources:

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>

Out-of-pocket costs related to coronavirus treatment

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

1. 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}

  • Before, during, and after preparing food
  • Before eating food
  • Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound
  • After using the toilet
  • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
  • After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
  • After touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste
  • After handling pet food or pet treats
  • After touching garbage

  The following hand washing procedures will help reduce your risk of infection:⁴

  • Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  • Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  • Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
  • Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  • Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands

  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

  • Stay at home except to get medical care
  • Separate yourself from other people
  • Monitor your symptoms and look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If you are showing any of the emergency warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately.
  • Call ahead before visiting your doctor
  • If you are sick wear a cloth covering over your nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands
  • Clean your hands often
  • Avoid sharing personal household items
  • Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday

Sources:

3. How to Protect Yourself & Others. (2020, April 4). Retrieved April 7, 2020, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html (link opens in new window)
4. When and How To Wash Your Hands (2020, April 2). Retrieved April 7, 2020, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html (link opens in new window)
5. What to Do if You Are Sick. (2020, May 8). Retrieved June 22, 2020, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html (link opens in new window)

• 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:

  • If someone comes to your door: Some scammers are going door to door offering free medical services such as in-home COVID-19 test kits and reserving future COVID-19 vaccination appointments. These fraudsters are using these promises to access your home and gather your personal information.
  • If you receive a COVID-19-related call: Scammers claiming to represent a government agency, a public health agency or an insurance company are calling individuals to offer free COVID-19 test kits or reservations for future COVID-19 vaccination appointments. The scammers are requesting personal information like insurance numbers, Medicare IDs and credit card information, often claiming that government agencies are requiring that you provide this information. They may even tell you that you may have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus and that your personal information is needed for public health purposes.

  What you should do:

  • CarePlus will never send anyone to your door without first calling or emailing you to schedule an appointment. If someone you are not expecting comes to your home claiming to be a CarePlus representative, do NOT open your door.
  • If you receive a phone call from someone who says they’re from CarePlus and you are asked for your social security number, credit card or banking information, DO NOT provide this information. CarePlus will never ask you for this information over the phone.
  • If ANYONE calls you about the coronavirus, ask for the caller’s full name, job title and a call-back number before you give any information. Don’t feel rushed or intimidated! It is okay to end the call and contact the agency or company directly to verify that the call is valid.
  • If you suspect a scammer has contacted you by phone or in person, please let us know so we can help:
    • Call CarePlus Member Services at 1-800-794-5907 ; TTY: 711 to report any suspected fraudulent activity related to COVID-19. From October 1 - March 31, we are open 7 days a week; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. From April 1 - September 30, we are open Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may always leave a voicemail message after hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and we will return your call within one business day.
    • You can also report any suspicious activity around COVID-19 fraud by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1 866 720 5721 or emailing disaster@leo.gov.

    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.

Ten helpful tips for making the most of your telehealth visit. A little preparation goes a long way.

Making the move from in-person doctor visits to telehealth appointments—even temporarily—can be intimidating. Here is some practical advice to help get you started.

1. Telehealth visits are scheduled just like in-person appointments. You will need to call your healthcare provider to set up a specific time for your phone call or video chat. If you do not have a regular doctor, or if your doctor does not offer telehealth visits, call the Member Services number on the back of your CarePlus member ID card. We will help you find a telehealth provider.
2. To be able to see and hear your healthcare provider, you will need a smartphone, a tablet or a computer that is connected to the internet. If you are new to video chatting, consider a practice run with a friend or family member so you are comfortable with the equipment.
3. Using headphones or ear buds instead of your device’s microphone and speaker will offer better sound clarity—and more privacy if there are other people in your household.
4. Be prepared with a list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines or supplements you are currently taking. If you have a pharmacy, you like to use, have the name and address handy in case your healthcare provider suggests prescription medication.
5. You will also want to have your CarePlus member ID card on hand. Although CarePlus is currently waiving member out-of-pocket cost for telehealth services, your healthcare provider will still need your plan information to submit a claim to CarePlus.
6. While not required, if you have a thermometer, bathroom scale, or blood-pressure monitor at home, you may want to have them handy. Likewise, if you have diabetes and use a glucometer, you may want to keep that close by as well during your telehealth visit.
7. It is a good idea to make some notes about your symptoms or concerns before your call begins so you do not forget to mention anything. Be ready to tell your doctor or nurse practitioner exactly what you are experiencing. (For routine issues like record requests or bill payment, a telehealth visit is not required. Simply call your provider’s office to get the help you need.)
8. If you are dealing with an injury, rash or other visible issue, take a picture of it to share with your telehealth provider via email, if your telehealth provider requests it.
9. Be punctual—ready to answer your provider’s call at the scheduled time. And start by asking what to do if you become disconnected during your visit.
10. Always remember that in the event of a emergency like chest pain, breathing trouble or another major health event, call 911!