What You Need To Know About Coronavirus

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that is caused by a new virus called a coronavirus, which has become a public health emergency. Coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging illness. Many details about this disease are still unknown. For example treatment options, how the virus works, the total impact of the illness, and many other factors. Yet there are steps you can take to prevent the spread of coronavirus and stay healthy.

The symptoms of coronavirus include mild to severe respiratory symptoms. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and lower respiratory illness. Other symptoms include fatigue, mucus production, and muscle aches. Some individuals have also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms. For example diarrhea and nausea, prior to developing respiratory symptoms. It may be contagious before a person begins showing symptoms.

The CDC’s "Coronavirus Self-Checker” can provide you with information about seeking appropriate medical care. This checker is based on COVID-19 related symptoms. But it is not intended to diagnose COVID-19. People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms may appear 2 – 14 days after exposures. But infected individuals can be contagious before symptoms arise (i.e. from an asymptomatic individual). 

Influenza (the flu), a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses (Type A and Type B), has high activity in the United States at this time. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine.

If you have been exposed or begin showing symptoms of the coronavirus or flu, contact your healthcare provider or health department immediately. I would be happy to help you locate an in-network provider.

We suggest you schedule a virtual care visit with a provider if you are at risk of COVID-19 (coronavirus). It is a good option for non-urgent care to limit potential exposure. Due to a high demand for virtual health visits at this time, please anticipate that there may be longer than usual wait times.

Emergency warning signs for COVID-19 include, but are not limited to: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, blueish lips or face, new confusion or inability to arouse. If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, you should seek immediate medical attention. Contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms which are worsening or concerning to you.

To receive the fastest support, you can contact Teladoc by mobile App or through the web to request a virtual visit. You will also be able to see a wait time estimator to help you to anticipate when a provider will call you back. You can download the Teladoc app on the App Store or Google Play. You can also call Teladoc to request a virtual visit. If there is a wait, you can request a callback from a service representative to request a visit, so you don’t need to stay on hold.

If you haven’t used Teladoc before, you can set up an account and share your medical history before requesting a visit to make the process go quicker. You can set up your account on the Teladoc app or on their account set up page. If you need assistance setting up your account, you can call Teladoc for help.

We encourage our members to use telehealth visits for non-urgent health issues or if you need to speak to a provider about your COVID-19 risk. However, due to a high demand for virtual health visits at this time, please anticipate that there may be longer than usual wait times. Arkansas Total Care is committed to ensuring you have access to quality, affordable healthcare during this time, and are working closely with Teladoc to make sure members have access to virtual care when they need it.

We are working closely with Teladoc to ensure that there is enough provider capacity to address the high demand for virtual visits at this time. As the demand for virtual visits increases, Teladoc is continually working to make more providers available to meet the needs of our members. You may also be able to set up a telehealth consultation directly with your primary care provider. You can reach out to your primary care provider or their office to see what kind of virtual care options are available to you.

We encourage members to call the Nurse Advice Line with questions about symptoms of illness or other health-related issues. Registered nurses are available through the Nurse Advice Line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. However, due to a high demand at this time, please anticipate that there may be longer than usual wait times when you call the Nurse Advice Line. As a reminder, the Nurse Advice Line cannot answer general member services questions, providing plan benefits or making provider referrals, including questions related to COVID-19 coverage and benefits.

Medically necessary COVID-19 diagnostic testing and/or medical screening services and the associated physician’s visit will be covered when ordered, referred and/or performed in the following locations:

• Physician’s/practitioner’s office
• Independent laboratory/diagnostic facility
• Urgent care facility
• Emergency department facility

If you have been exposed or are showing symptoms of the coronavirus or flu, contact your healthcare provider or health department immediately. 

If you are unsure if you have been exposed to or at-risk of being infected with COVID-19 (coronavirus), scheduling a virtual care visit with a provider is a good option for non-urgent care to limit potential exposure in a physician’s office or other healthcare facility. However, due to a high demand for virtual health visits at this time, please anticipate that there may be longer than usual wait times.

We all have a role to play in protecting our communities and families from the spread of coronavirus. There are steps you can take to prevent the spread of coronavirus and stay healthy. If you have been exposed or begin showing symptoms of the coronavirus or flu, contact your healthcare provider or health department immediately.

You can also follow these tips to prevent infection:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizing rub (must contain at least 60 percent alcohol).
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze by coughing/sneezing into your elbow.
• Promptly dispose of tissues in a wastebasket after use.
• Clean public surfaces thoroughly.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid shaking hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Get a flu vaccine.

Older adults, individuals with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, severe obesity, and those with weakened immune symptoms (due to medications or underlying illness) are at higher risk for complications from COVID-19 illness.

Yes, members will be able to refill prescriptions prior to the refill date.

On August 23rd, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine has been known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, and will now be marketed as Comirnaty (koe-mir’-na-tee), for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. The vaccine also continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), including for individuals 5 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals, and for boosters.

The CDC recommends a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccines in the following populations:

• For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine:
  • You should get a booster if you are:
    • Ages 50 years and older
    • Ages 18 years and older and live in a long-term care setting
  • You may get a booster if you are:
    • Ages 18 years and older
  • When to get a booster:
    • At least 6 months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series
• For individuals who received Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine:
  • You should get a booster if you are:
    • 18 years or older
  • When to get a booster:
    • At least 2 months after your shot.
• Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

On November 2, 2021, the CDC recommended children 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine.

• COVID-19 vaccination was nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5-11 years;
• In clinical trials, vaccine side effects were mild, self-limiting, and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children;
• The most common side effect was a sore arm;
• Distribution of pediatric vaccinations across the country started the first week of November, with plans to scale up to full capacity starting the week of November 8th;
• Vaccines will be available at thousands of pediatric healthcare provider offices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and more;
• Vaccinating children can help protect family members, including siblings who are not eligible for vaccination and family members who may be at increased risk of getting very sick if they are infected.
• Vaccination can also help keep children from getting seriously sick even if they do get COVID-19.
• Vaccinating children ages 5 years and older can help keep them in school and help them safely participate in sports, playdates, and other group activities
• Please encourage parents with questions to talk to their pediatrician, school nurse or local pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting their children vaccinated.

On November 2, 2021, the CDC recommended children 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine:

• COVID-19 vaccination was nearly 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5-11 years;
• In clinical trials, vaccine side effects were mild, self-limiting, and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children. The most common side effect was a sore arm;
• Distribution of pediatric vaccinations across the country started the first week of November, with plans to scale up to full capacity starting the week of November 8th;
• Vaccines will be available at thousands of pediatric healthcare provider offices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and more;
• Please encourage parents with questions to talk to their pediatrician, school nurse or local pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting their children vaccinated.

Vaccinating children can help protect family members, including siblings who are not eligible for vaccination and family members who may be at increased risk of getting very sick if they are infected.

Vaccination can also help keep children from getting seriously sick even if they do get COVID-19.

Vaccinating children ages 5 years and older can help keep them in school and help them safely participate in sports, playdates, and other group activities.

COVID-19 vaccines do not cause infection, including in pregnant people or their babies. None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain live virus and cannot make anyone sick with COVID-19, including pregnant people or their babies.

Early data on the safety of receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech) during pregnancy are reassuring.

• Early data from three safety monitoring systems did not find any safety concerns for pregnant people who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine late in pregnancy or for their babies.
• Scientists have not found an increased risk for miscarriage among people who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine just before and during early pregnancy (before 20 weeks of pregnancy).
• The monitoring of pregnancies is ongoing. CDC will continue to follow people vaccinated during all trimesters of pregnancy to better understand effects on pregnancy and babies.

Early data suggest receiving an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy reduces the risk for infection. Recent studies from Israel compared pregnant people who received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine with those who did not. Scientists found that vaccination lowered the risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19.

Vaccination of pregnant people builds antibodies that might protect their baby. When pregnant people receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy, their bodies build antibodies against COVID-19, similar to non-pregnant people. Antibodies made after a pregnant person received an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine were found in umbilical cord blood. This means COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy might help protect babies against COVID-19. More data are needed to determine how these antibodies, similar to those produced with other vaccines, may provide protection to the baby.

No adverse pregnancy-related outcomes occurred in previous clinical trials that used the same vaccine platform as the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

As of November 9th. 194.2M people have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. FDA requires healthcare providers to report any death after COVID-19 vaccination to VAERS, even if it’s unclear whether the vaccine was the cause.

 During the time between December 14, 2020 and November 1, 2021, VAERS received 9,367 reports of death (0.0022%) among people who received a COVID-19 vaccine.

Yes, when medically necessary diagnostic testing is ordered and/or referred by a licensed health care provider, your plan will cover the cost of COVID-19 tests and the associated physician’s visit. Your plan’s copayment, coinsurance and/or deductible cost-sharing requirements will be waived for medically necessary COVID-19 diagnostic testing and/or medical screening services.

Yes, when medically necessary antibody testing is ordered and/or referred by a licensed health care provider, your plan will cover the cost of COVID-19 antibody tests. Your plan’s copayment, coinsurance and/or deductible cost-sharing requirements will be waived on COVID-19 antibody tests. 

No, our plans will not require prior authorization, prior certification, prior notification and/or step therapy protocols for COVID-19 diagnostic testing and medical screening services, when medically necessary services are ordered and/or referred by a licensed health care provider.

No, your plan will cover medically necessary COVID-19 diagnostic testing and/or medical screening services at no charge to you, when such services are ordered and/or referred by a licensed health care provider. Your plan’s copayment, coinsurance and/or deductible cost-sharing requirements will be waived for medically necessary COVID-19 diagnostic testing and/or medical screening services along with the associated physician’s visit.

Yes, your plan will cover medically necessary COVID-19 treatment related services consistent with benefit coverage provisions of your policy for treatment of an illness. We are committed to ensuring access to COVID-19 treatment services in accordance with federal and state law.

No, our plans will not require prior authorization, prior certification, prior notification and/or step therapy protocols for COVID-19 treatment, when services are ordered and/or performed by a licensed health care provider.

No, your plan will cover medically necessary COVID-19 treatment at no charge to you, when such services are performed by a licensed health care provider. Your plan’s copayment, coinsurance and/or deductible cost-sharing requirements will be waived for COVID-19 treatment related services. 

Yes, your plan utilizes Teladoc to provide telehealth services. All telehealth consults are now screened for COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors. Teladoc providers will evaluate your symptoms and contact history to assess your COVID-19 risk, and then help guide you through the next steps for care and testing, if needed. We are also encouraging members use telehealth visits for non-urgent health issues. If you haven’t used Teladoc before, you can visit their website or download the mobile App to get started. You can download the Teladoc app on the App Store or Google Play.

In addition to Teladoc, you may also be able to set up a telehealth consultation directly with your primary care provider. You can reach out to your primary care provider or their office to see what kind of virtual care options are available to you. We are temporarily waiving prior authorization for in-network telehealth services.

No. Our members can have a telehealth visit with a provider at no cost to the member. At this time, this also applies to our members enrolled in Health Savings Account-eligible High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs.).

We take our commitment to you seriously and wants to keep you covered during this unprecedented health situation. If you are having difficulty paying your premium, please call us so we can help with payment options. We want to ensure you have no loss of coverage.

If you’ve experienced financial hardship or job loss, you may qualify for additional annual premium tax credit. Visit Healthcare.gov or call at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) to update your income information. Updating your information could affect the amount of your tax credit, possibly lowering your monthly premium.

If you’ve experienced financial hardship or job loss, please visit Healthcare.gov or call at 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325) to update your income information. Updating your information could affect the amount of your tax credit, possibly lowering your monthly premium. If you enrolled with a broker, they can also help update your information.

You may also be eligible for an Economic Impact Payment through the Federal government’s Coronavirus Tax Relief program. For more information, visit the IRS Coronavirus special section.

If you are in need of additional support right now, you can find programs in your area through the Aunt Bertha online platform. Aunt Bertha is a free tool that makes it easy to find and apply for assistance program. You can search for free or reduced cost services available in your zip code -including food, housing, job training, financial assistance and much more.

• Yes, mental health services are a covered benefit. Visit your online member account to understand any costs associated with mental health specialist visits, specific to your health plan. To find mental health professionals near you, search for “Behavioral Health” in the Provider Search tool.

Through our Telehealth’s partner, Teladoc, you can talk to a therapist or psychiatrist.

To speak with a mental health professional, you will be prompted to schedule an appointment time. Visit the Teladoc website or download the mobile app from the Apple or Google Play app stores to get started.

There is no co-pay associated, however, coinsurance and deductible may apply to some plans for the session. Visit your online member account to understand any costs associated with mental health specialist visits, specific to your health plan.

We encourage members to take care of their body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. While observing social distancing, connect with other through email, video chats, phone, texting, etc. Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships and a sense of hope and positive thinking. For more information, see the CDC's suggestions for mental health and coping during COVID-19.

If you are in need of additional support right now, you can find programs in your area through the Aunt Bertha online platform. Aunt Bertha is a free tool that makes it easy to find and apply for assistance program. You can search for free or reduced cost services available in your zip code. These services include food, housing, job training, financial assistance, and much more.

Stay Healthy at Home During the COVID-19 Outbreak - Maintain a Healthy Diet and Exercise Daily

The COVID-19 outbreak may cause stress for many Arkansans that can impact their physical and mental health. Stress can lead to insomnia, anxiety, and depression. It can also contribute to poor eating habits and obesity which can worsen chronic health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Arkansas ranks 3rd nationwide for highest adult obesity and 15th for highest youth obesity for ages 10 to 17.[1]

Social networks mention the impact of stress and weight gain related to the “COVID-19” in terms of pounds gained during the “Stay at Home” order. Arkansas Total Care is encouraging community members to maintain a healthy diet and exercise at home to relieve stress and maintain health.

Dr. Patricia Knott, Medical Director and Dr. Jason Dare, Medical Director are available to discuss the importance of healthy eating and exercise. They hope to help improve mental and physical health during stressful situations.

Interview a Medical Expert for Advice on How to Monitor your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak

 Arkansas Total Care Raises the Importance of Stress Management and Community Resources

The COVID-19 outbreak may cause stress for many Arkansans. Fear and anxiety about preventing exposure to the virus can be overwhelming for adults and children. In addition to health concerns, many may experience challenges with job loss and finances, childcare and food access. Those working from home can experience stress caused by social isolation.

As your guide to better health, Arkansas Total Care offers mental health tips to manage stress and resources to address other challenges Arkansans face during the crisis.

Arkansas Total Care is committed to raising awareness through education to the community. Dr. Patricia Knott, Medical Director and Dr. Jason Dare, Medical Director with Arkansas Total Care are available to discuss the importance of managing mental. They are also available to discuss physical health and developing ways to cope during the crisis.

Arkansas Total Care Addresses Social Isolation and Loneliness During COVID-19 Outbreak

As cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) increase across Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Health has issued a “stay at home order.” This order causes many Arkansans to consider the new realities of living indoors and observing social distancing. This can cause many to feel lonely and isolated. But, social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation.

Arkansas Total Care encourages everyone to know the signs of loneliness and social isolation. We also encourage everyone to learn ways to cope during this challenging time.

Nearly half of all Americans report sometimes or always feeling alone.[1] A sense of loneliness can affect anyone at any time, any age. During the COVID-19 emergency, families may be impacted:

• In children and teens, social skills are first developed at school so missing a lot of school can cause loneliness.
• For adults, unemployment can eliminate the opportunity for social interaction. It can also reduce relationships often developed at work.
• For the elderly, it is more common for the homebound, which is many of this segment of the population at this time.

Feelings of loneliness can negatively affect both physical and mental health. “Social isolation can increase in mortality in older adults. Illnesses and conditions such as chronic lung disease, arthritis and impaired mobility are all linked to it.” said Dr. Patricia Knott, Medical Director at Arkansas Total Care. “Depression, stress, and anxiety are some of the side effects that can impact overall health.” One study equated the health risks of prolonged isolation with smoking 15 cigarettes a day.[2] Additional research shows that loneliness and social isolation are twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity.[3]