EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Kaiser (HMO)

COVID-19 diagnostic testing for essential workers

All members of Kaiser can request a test via their kp.org sign on or by phone. Here is the link to request a test. As of now we are not charging for COVID testing, however this is subject to change.

https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/northern-california/health-wellness/coronavirus-information

Blue Shield Access+ (HMO)

• Does our CalPERS Blue Shield Access+ health plan cover (pay) employee and dependent testing for COVID-19?

  Currently all Blue Shield members who show symptoms have the ability to get a covered COVID-19 test completed. In addition if an employees is without symptoms, all essential worker as defined by the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) have the ability to get a COVID-19 test covered.

• If testing for COVID-19 is covered - is there a protocol that our employees and their dependents need to follow to ensure it is covered?

  The current protocol for employees to ensure they are covered is to contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of COVID-19. If your healthcare provider decides that a test is needed, they will refer to get tested. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms. If your healthcare provider orders a test, you will not have to pay any copay, coinsurance, or deductible for that test.

  Now if an employee is classified as an essential worker as defined by the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC), you can get tested for COVID-19 even if you have no symptoms and have not been exposed to COVID-19, at the following locations:

  • CVS Pharmacies
  • Rite-Aid
  • Walgreens
  • State testing sites

  Another alternative for employees who are interested in getting COVID-19 tested is that the state may cover the cost of your test if Blue Shield does not. This could apply if you have no symptoms, have not been exposed to COVID-19, and are not an essential worker. Employees can Find a testing site on the state list.

Anthem (HMO/PPO)

• Do our CalPERS Anthem Blue Cross (PPO and HMO) health plans cover (pay) employee and dependent testing for COVID-19?

  All Anthem plans cover COVID-19 testing and the care visit where the test takes place with no out-of-pocket costs. A doctor must order a COVID-19 test for you.

• If testing for COVID-19 is covered - is there a protocol that our employees and their dependents need to follow to ensure it is covered?

  All Anthem plans cover COVID-19 testing and the care visit where the test takes place with no out-of-pocket costs. A doctor must order a COVID-19 test for you.
  https://www.anthem.com/ca/coronavirus/individual-and-family/

Health New SmartCare (HMO)

Health Net does cover the cost of the COVID-19 testing. We are advising our members to contact their Primary Care Physician or Medical Group directly for more information.