Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) updates and resources

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized some COVID-19 vaccines and is working quickly to approve others. Learn more here.

Each state will decide how and when to distribute vaccines. People at most risk of contracting COVID-19 or developing complications of illness will likely receive vaccinations first. Right now, the CDC recommends that healthcare workers and residents of nursing homes and long-term-care facilities be the first Americans to receive the vaccine. Vaccination should be more widely available in early to mid-2021. We will keep you updated.

The CDC is working closely with state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments to make sure vaccines are available.

No. If you have Medicare, Medicaid or CHIP, you won’t have to pay for your COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccination will help keep you from getting COVID-19. Many thousands of people across the United States took part in research trials over many months. These trials show the FDA whether a vaccine is safe and effective, which it must be certain of before it will authorize or approve a vaccine for public use.

Researchers studied vaccine reactions and potential side effects throughout the trials. Their studies will continue after the vaccine receives approval. The FDA, CDC, and vaccine manufacturers will continue to monitor safety and quality.

If you have Medicaid with us, you can activate your online account to get updates on COVID-19 vaccines.

Download the Amerigroup Mobile app from Google Play or the App Store:

Yes. Even if you’ve already had COVID-19, you could still benefit from the vaccine. You can talk to your primary care provider to see what they recommend. The CDC also has information about the benefits of the vaccine.

An airway and lung infection, similar to a cold.

Similar to a cold or the flu. Mild to severe fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after being around someone who has COVID-19.

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov/coronavirus for up-to-date information. If you are traveling, visit cdc.gov for the CDC’s most current travel guidelines.

Good health habits can also help prevent and fight COVID-19. Here are some tips:

• Washing your hands is the best way to avoid getting sick:
  • Wash often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • If you can’t use soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Clean and disinfect items and surfaces you touch often with regular household cleaning spray or a wipe.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and throw away the tissue.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Older adults, people with disabilities, and people with diabetes or who have severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease seem to be at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness. We will support you and help you get the care you need.

If you’re caring for someone, be sure visitors take care to avoid causing any extra risk to you or them — keep hand sanitizer by the door, or ask visitors to wash their hands. Wash your hands thoroughly and use hand sanitizer before and after touching or feeding someone, or touching any mobility devices or equipment.

Here’s what the CDC says about wearing a face mask.

Call your doctor if you develop a fever, have a cough, or have difficulty breathing. Tell them if you’ve been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19, or if you live in or have been to an area where the virus has spread.

Your plan will pay for telehealth visits with your doctor.

Can’t reach your doctor? Call our 24-hour Nurse HelpLine 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the number on your member ID card.

You can also make an appointment with LiveHealth Online and see a doctor from your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

If you have a Medicaid or CHIP plan with us, you do not have to pay anything for the COVID-19 test or the doctor visit to get the test. The visit and test are covered whether you get care in a doctor’s office, urgent care center or emergency department. CHIP copayments are waived for office visits through April 30, 2020 or as later extended by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

No, prior authorization is not required for COVID-19 testing.

You should try to see your primary care provider or a doctor in your plan. If your doctor offers telehealth visits, your plan will pay for those, too.

You can also see a doctor from your smartphone or tablet through LiveHealth Online.

LiveHealth Online is not available at no cost to members with Medicare or CHIP Perinate members.

We will pay for care you get from doctors outside your plan (called “out of network”) as long as the services are medically needed.

No. If you have Medicaid or CHIP from us, your plan covers sick visits, tests and treatment.

Do you have medicines you take regularly? Call the Pharmacy Member Services number on your member ID card to find out about your options including getter a longer supply or home delivery.

Your health is important. Don’t stop taking your medicines as prescribed, and get your refills on time.