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Statement from Ascension Personalized Care
In late December 2021, the Biden Administration announced that health plans must cover diagnostic over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests without cost-sharing or medical management requirements during the public health emergency.
On January 10, 2022, additional guidance was issued regarding this coverage beginning January 15, 2022 through the end of the public health emergency.
The ruling does not require a plan to provide a point-of-sale solution at the pharmacy. However, CIGNA is exploring options for delivering a point-of-sale solution for pharmacy customers and will share further information as soon as it becomes available.
Plans must cover OTC COVID-19 tests without cost sharing or medical management and may do so through post-payment reimbursement to the customer.
Plans are required to provide coverage for up to 8 test kits per covered member per month and Plans may require the member to an attestation that the test was:
· purchased for the covered individual only
· not used for employment purposes
· not used for resale
CIGNA is handling this requirement via a request for reimbursement from the customer as a medical claim per the following link. Please ensure that all information is complete.
https://www.cigna.com/static/www-cigna-com/docs/coronavirus/covid-otc-med-claim-form.pdf
Please also note the US Postal Service is now taking orders for the government’s free at-home coronavirus test kits. The website: COVIDtests.gov began taking orders on Wednesday, January 19, 2022.
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How do I get a free COVID-19 test?
To obtain an at home COVID-19 test kit, a covered Ascension Personalized Care member will need to present their Cigna pharmacy card to their local pharmacist. If a test kit is available, the pharmacist will run the insurance card and provide the member a test kit free of charge.
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How many at home COVID-19 tests can I get?
Ascension Personalized Care members can receive a total of 8 tests in a 30-day period per member.
Example: The Smith family has 3 members on their Ascension Personalized Care plan. Each member can receive 8 tests. They pick up a total of 24 tests on 1/1/22. The Smith family can return to the pharmacy on 2/1/22 to pick up an additional 24 tests. -
What if the pharmacy is sold out of test kits?
If you are unable to locate a test at your local pharmacy, you can purchase a test kit online or use an out-of-network pharmacy. You can then submit a reimbursement form to Cigna for up to $12 per test.
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Where do I get a self-reimbursement claim form?
COVID-19 over-the-counter (OTC) test kit claim forms can be found here: https://www.cigna.com/static/www-cigna-com/docs/coronavirus/covid-otc-med-claim-form.pdf
Use this form for reimbursement on COVID-19 OTC testing kits only. Please complete one form per customer and fill in each section including the type of test kit you purchased, the date of purchase, number of boxes, number of tests per box and the total cost. As a reminder, members will be reimbursed up to $12 per test (not per box).
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Are N-95 masks also covered?
N-95 masks are not covered by health insurance. However, free N-95 masks should be available through pharmacies and community sites soon.
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Additional questions?
If you have additional questions regarding the COVID-19 over-the-counter test kits, please contact us at 833-600-1311 or apcsupport@ascension.org.