Member Coronavirus Information

There is now a vaccination available that will give you the best chance of protecting yourself and your loved ones from getting COVID-19 in the future. The vaccine will have two doses a few weeks in between each shot. You will get a reminder card so you don’t forget your second shot. It is important to get both doses of the vaccine as instructed.

The vaccine is being administered to different populations in a tiered approach. When you are able to get the vaccine, call your doctor with any questions and ask when you can make an appointment with them or at your local pharmacy. Or, find out where to get your vaccine at vaccinefinder.org

While it is not a requirement, getting your COVID-19 vaccine will give you the best chance of protecting yourself and your loved ones from getting COVID-19 in the future.

Even if you have already had COVID-19, you should still get the vaccine.  It may be possible to be infected more than once so getting the vaccine is a safe choice.

Eligible for 1 booster:

• Everyone ages 12 years and older can get 1 booster after completing their COVID-19 vaccine primary series.

Eligible for 2 boosters:

• Adults ages 50 years and older
• People ages 12 years and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised
• People who got 2 doses (1 primary dose and 1 booster) of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

Currently, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is recommended for people ages 12 and older. The Moderna vaccine is currently recommended for those ages 18 and older.

It will take time for your body to build immunity after the vaccine.  It is important to continue to social distance, wear a mask in public and continue handwashing in order to keep from getting sick.

The safety of the COVID-19 vaccine is a top priority! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials and authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the expected benefits outweigh potential risks. COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large clinical trials to make sure they meet safety standards.

You may run a fever after you get the vaccine. This is normal as your body builds immunity and fights off future COVID-19 exposures. You may feel sick after getting vaccinated. You could develop a fever, headache or body aches. This is your body reacting to the vaccine, which is a normal response. It is important to know that it is impossible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The vaccines currently in use and others being developed do not contain a live virus.

No. Both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be at no cost to you. You do not need to get a prior authorization for your vaccine.

Please call the administering facility/provider you received your first dose from to ask about your vaccine information and verify your second appointment/location.

The provider should have scheduled a second appointment with you at the same facility when you received the first dose. However, you can receive your second dose from another provider/facility and you should present your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.

Worry and anxiety can rise about the spread of COVID-19. Concern for friends and family who live in places where COVID-19 is spreading or the progression of the disease is natural.

• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
• Connect with others. 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.
• Share the facts about COVID-19 and the actual risk to others. People who have returned from areas of ongoing spread more than 14 days ago and do not have symptoms of COVID-19 do not put others at risk.
• For more information, see the CDC’s suggestions for mental health and coping during COVID-19

On July 19, 2021, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). This extends flexibilities and funding tied to the PHE to continue for another 90 days, effective July 20, 2021.

With this renewal the various testing, screening, billing, and telehealth coverages that were implemented in response to the COVID-19 PHE will be extended to our members. This extension will continue until the PHE is either terminated or extended again.

Do you have any questions about this extension or the covered benefits impacted by it? Please contact Member Services.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness. That means it affects your lungs. The virus spreads mainly when people cough or sneeze. Anyone can become sick with COVID, which is why the virus has been a public health emergency around the world since 2019.

People who get COVID-19 may have many different symptoms. These symptoms can be mild or severe. They usually include:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Feeling tired
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Symptoms usually start 2-14 days after you were close to someone else with the virus. COVID-19 can also spread BEFORE a person starts showing symptoms.

These symptoms can also be caused by influenza, also known as the flu. The flu is a respiratory illness. That means it affects your lungs. The flu is most active in the United States in the autumn and winter. That’s why everyone ages 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine (shot) each year.

If you start having COVID-19 symptoms, you should get tested. There are tests that you can do at home. These are called “self-tests.” However, these tests aren’t always accurate. You can also get what’s called a “PCR test.” These are usually done at a lab or doctor’s office.

To get a self-test, call your local pharmacy. You can also get free COVID tests to keep at home through the U.S. Mail. Click HERE to learn more.

To get a PCR test, call your provider or health department.

If you think you’re sick, you should also think about wearing a face mask and staying away from others. That helps slow the spread of COVID.

Some people may get very sick from COVID-19. Call your provider or go to the emergency room (ER) if you have any of these warning signs:

• Trouble breathing
• Chest pain or pressure
• New feelings of confusion
• Not able to wake up or stay away
• Pale, gray, or blue skin, lips, or fingernails

This isn’t a full list. If you’re very worried about how you or a loved one are feeling, call your provider or 9-1-1 right away.

All of us can help protect our families and our community from COVID-19. Follow these tips to help slow the spread of the virus:

• Get the COVID-19 vaccine (shot). Anyone ages 6 months and older can get the vaccine. It is a safe and effective way to prevent the virus. It can also help you from getting very sick.
• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wash for at least 20 seconds.
• If you can’t wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Remember that it should have at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Wear a face mask. A “KN-95” mask offers some of the best protection. Wear a mask if you’re not feeling well or if you have to be around others who are sick. You should also wear a mask when you’re in crowded indoor spaces or if you’re travelling. People who are not fully vaccinated should wear a mask all the time.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze by coughing or sneezing into your elbow. If you cough or sneeze into your hands, be sure to wash with soap and water before touching anything.
• Throw out any used tissues right away.
• Clean public surfaces well.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid shaking hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Get a flu vaccine annually.

The COVID-19 outbreak has and continues to be a public health emergency around the world. It’s natural to feel worried about the virus or about the health of our friends and families. Here are a few things you can do:

• Take care of your body. Keep eating healthy and exercising when you can. Try deep breathing or meditation. Focus on the things you can control.
• Connect with others. Share your feelings with a friend or family member. If you’re feeling more worried than usual, think about talking to a therapist or mental health provider.
• Share facts about COVID-19 and the actual risk to others. Trust the science. Get your news and information from trustworthy sources.

For more information, click HERE to see the CDC’s suggestions for mental health and coping during COVID-19.

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

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

• Physician’s/Practitioner’s Office
• Independent Laboratory/Diagnostic Facility   
• Urgent Care Facility
• Emergency Department Facility

Are you unsure if you have been exposed to or at-risk of being infected with COVID-19? Schedule a virtual care visit with a provider. It is a good option for non-urgent care to limit potential exposure in a physician’s office or other healthcare facility. 

As of March 1, 2022, Magnolia Health Plan Members can get COVID-19 Home Testing kits at no cost through their local pharmacy.  The following FAQs will assist you in this process.

Question:

How do I get a COVID-19 Home Testing Kit for free?  If I go to the pharmacy, will I get the COVID-19 Home Testing Kit for free?

Answer:

Magnolia Health is making COVID-19 Home Testing Kits available at no cost through your local pharmacy.  No prescription is needed to receive yourCOVID-19 Home Testing Kits.

Question: 

Will COVID-19 Home Testing Kits count towards my monthly prescription limit?

Answer:

No.  COVID-19 Home Testing Kits are excluded from the monthly prescription limit.

Question: 

Will Magnolia limit the number of COVID-19 Home Testing Kits that a member may obtain for free?

Answer:

Yes.  Members can receive up to 4 COVID-19 Home Testing Kits per prescription fill, with a maximum of 8 tests per 30-day period, consistent with the federal guidance released on January 10, 2022.

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

Any medically necessary treatment related to COVID-19 would be considered a covered benefit. We are committed to ensuring access to COVID-19 treatment services in accordance with federal and state law.

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

Worry and anxiety can rise about the spread of COVID-19. Concern for friends and family who live in places where COVID-19 is spreading or the progression of the disease is natural.

• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate.
• Connect with others. 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.
• Share the facts about COVID-19 and the actual risk to others. People who have returned from areas of ongoing spread more than 14 days ago and do not have symptoms of COVID-19 do not put others at risk.
• For more information, see the CDC’s suggestions for mental health and coping during COVID-19

Tip #1: Clean your phone right now

Drop what you’re doing! Clean your phone and case right now! You can use disinfecting wipes or sprays.

Why is this important?

It’s easy to say “I can always clean my phone later”. If you do it right now, you won’t forget! We’ve also told you how so you don’t have to figure that out on your own.

Tip #2: Use an alarm

Set a phone alarm called “clean phone.” Set an alarm on your phone called “clean phone” once per day. When it goes off, clean your phone right then and there!

Why is this important?

Even if you just cleaned your phone right now, you’re going to forget later! That’s why reminders are so important. You’ll have to clean.

For more information about cleaning and disinfecting visit the CDC Cleaning And Disinfecting Your Home page.

Protect yourself and those around you. Please consider the following before returning to adult day services.

• If you feel sick, stay home.
  • Avoid public places.
  • Contact your health care provider.
• Practice healthy habits.
  • Wash your hands after touching public surfaces.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Sneeze or cough into a tissue. You can also use the inside of your elbow.
  • Clean frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
  • Use a face mask while in public.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and frequent hand washing
  • Your provider may require a face covering and gloves during a visit. They may also require frequent hand washing.
  • Your service plan may be updated based on how you tolerate these changes.
• This has been a stressful time. If it’s affecting your mental health, you may need to speak to someone.

As a Magnolia Health member, you have access to health professionals 24/7. You can call the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line for non-emergencies. For more information about this service, call us at 866-912-6285.

It’s important to change how we use public spaces. Consider whether you need to touch certain objects and surfaces. Be sure to wipe public items before and after you touch them.

Things to be aware of while at your adult day center.

We have all had to make changes to reduce the spread of COVID-19. To reopen, we will need to continue these safe practices.

• Social distancing
  • Stay 6 feet away from others when going into a shared space.
• Wash your hands.
  • Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Use sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available
• Wear a face covering.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when sick.
• Clean frequently touched items and surfaces.

It’s important to follow state and local guidance as we reopen. This will help you to change your plan as situations change.

Make sure your provider has a plan to maintain a safe environment.

When you return home from your adult day center.

We should think about our safety and the safety of others. The following can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

• Disinfect “high touch” surfaces and items every day.
  • This includes personal devices and electronics.
  • Be sure to follow the cleaning product’s instructions.
• Consider changing your clothes before entering your home.

If you cannot return to your adult day center

As a Magnolia Health member, you may have respite hours available for your caregiver. These may be used if you cannot return to your day service program. For more information, call us at 866-912-6285.

Your doctors believe that your condition is stable and that you can continue to be cared for at home. This does not mean that you cannot pass the infection to others. Your doctors ask you to continue with care and to maintain the health of your family and your neighbors. Stay home except to get medical attention. You must restrict activities outside your home, except to get medical attention. No going to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using the public transportation service, shared vehicles or taxis.

Stay away from other people and animals in your home.

People: To the extent possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people who are in your home. Furthermore, you should use a separate bathroom, if possible.

Animals: You must not touch pets or other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, as you would with other people, although there have been no reports of pets or other animals that have become ill with COVID-19, it is still recommended that patients with COVID-19 limit their contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, let someone else take care of your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pets and other animals, including: kissing, touching, and sharing food. If you have to have contact with your pets, wash your hands before and after touching them and put on a mask.

Call before going to the doctor.

If you have a medical appointment, call your health care provider and tell them what you have or could have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider's office take steps to prevent other people from becoming infected or exposed. Wear a mask or cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or towel. You should wear a mask when you are around other people (eg, sharing room or vehicle) or pets and before entering a provider's office for medical care. If you cannot wear a mask (for example, because it makes it difficult for you to breathe), people who live with you should not stay with you in the same room, or they should put on a mask if they enter your room.

Always cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.

Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away the used tissue in a trash can with a plastic bag inside. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or wipe them with a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

Wash your hands frequently.

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose or sneezing, after going to the bathroom, and before eating or preparing food or clean them with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them until you feel dry. If your hands are visibly dirty, it is preferable to use soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid sharing household items for personal use. You should not share plates, glasses, cups, cutlery, towels or bedding with other people or pets that are in your home. After using these items, you should wash them thoroughly with soap and water.

Clean all frequently contacted surfaces daily:

Frequently contacted surfaces include counters, tables, door handles, doors, the bathroom, the toilets, the telephones, the keyboards, the tablets and the night tables. Also clean all surfaces that may have blood, feces or body liquids. Use a household cleaner, either a sprayer or a washcloth, according to the label instructions. The labels contain instructions for the safe and effective use of cleaning products, including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation while wearing it.

Seek prompt medical attention if your illness worsens (eg, if you have difficulty breathing). Before doing so, call your healthcare provider and tell them you have the COVID-19, or that you are being evaluated to determine if you have it. Put on a mask to enter the office. These measures will help the provider's office avoid infection or exposure to other people who are in the office or waiting room. Ask your healthcare provider to call local or state health departments. If you have a medical emergency or need to call 911, let the call center staff know that you have or are being evaluated to determine if you have COVID-19. If possible, get a mask before the emergency medical service arrives.

Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under isolation precautions in the home until the risk of secondary transmission to other people is considered low. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis after consulting with health care providers and health departments state and local. People with COVID-19 infection should not move freely outside their homes until they feel and breathe well and are completely cough or sneeze free. It is better to consult your healthcare provider before continuing your normal routine.