Coronavirus COVID-19 Information

Right now, medical experts think that COVID-19 spreads from person-to-person through a cough, sneeze or kiss. However, since COVID-19 is a new disease, scientists around the globe are racing to learn more about it.

The most common early symptoms appear between 2 and 14 days after being infected. Symptoms can be mild to severe. They include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea.

Coronavirus is a type of virus that causes respiratory illness — an infection of the airways and lungs. COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus. It’s part of the same family of coronaviruses that includes the common cold.

Right now, there are no prescription drugs that are approved to treat this virus. Scientists are working quickly to develop treatment, so we are closely monitoring CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) guidance for updates on the best treatments.

Employee's that are not vaccinated are required to wear a face mask while in the workplace but not required outside. Employee's that are vaccinated are not required to use a face covering unless specified otherwise based on their position.

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes 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 COVID-19. 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.

Vaccines are now available and easy to get. Visit the CDC website to learn more and find a vaccine appointment near you.

Call your doctor if you develop a fever, have a cough, or have difficulty breathing. And let them know if you’ve been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area where the virus has spread. You can also check to see if your plan offers telehealth benefits to see a doctor online. If you think you're infected, using telehealth helps to prevent spreading a virus.

It shouldn't cost you anything if you receive a test from the Centers for Disease Control or if you have a fully insured, Medicare or Medicaid plan.

We know how important it is to continue taking your prescriptions as directed by your doctor. If you are worried about having enough of your prescribed medication on hand, and your Anthem plan allows for a 90-day supplies of prescriptions, this is a great time to think about changing any prescription medicines you take on a regular basis from a 30-day supply. If you don’t have a prescription for a 90-day supply, talk to your doctor to see if a 90-day supply would work for you. You can even get them through home delivery pharmacy. If you have specific questions about the medicine you take, call the pharmacy services number on your member ID card.

Anthem is committed to making sure you can get the care you need. We’re working closely with the doctors and other health care professionals in our plans to prepare for more calls and visits. If your doctor isn’t available for some reason, we’ll help you find alternate care. Go to the main page on Anthem.com to log in and search for a doctor, or call the Member Services number on your ID card.

Your Anthem health plan will cover the care you get if you’re diagnosed as having COVID-19. For those who have fully insured, individual, Medicare and Medicaid plans, it’ll also waive your out-of-pocket expenses for the focused test used to diagnose COVID-19.  You can call the number on the back of your identification card to confirm coverage.

You'll pay any other out-of-pocket expenses your plan requires related to COVID-19, unless otherwise determined by state law or regulation.