Important Benefits Update Regarding COVID-19
COVID-19
Key Benefits Details
The University of Texas Office of Employee Benefits (OEB) is closely monitoring activity around the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are committed to assisting those who might be affected and helping our members and institutions stay informed about benefits related to COVID-19.
The following key details may be helpful for you and your family should you need care related to COVID-19:
Effective immediately, the UT SELECT and UT CONNECT plans will not require prior authorization and will waive member copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles associated with testing for COVID-19 when medically necessary and consistent with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance.
- With regard to treatment for COVID-19, UT SELECT and UT CONNECT will cover medically necessary services consistent with the terms of each plan, including physician services, hospitalization, and emergency services.
- A primary care physician copayment will apply for medically necessary treatment delivered to a patient who may be quarantined under CDC guidelines in a setting other than inpatient.
- For specific questions about your UT SELECT coverage, members should call your Blue Cross and Blue Shield Health Advocate at 866-882-2034. For UT CONNECT, please contact the CONNECT customer service team at 888-399-8889.
- Virtual doctor visits through MDLIVE continue to be available with no out-of-pocket costs and can be used when appropriate.
- Any person experiencing illness should contact their doctor or MDLIVE.
- Should members need to access an early refill of prescription medication, they may do so through their UT SELECT and UT CONNECT prescription benefits. Express Scripts, our pharmacy benefit manager, has lifted the “refill too soon” limitations to accommodate early refills for prescription medications up to a 90-day supply.
- All other UT Benefits programs will continue to operate according to the plan specifications outlined here. This includes dental, vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance. For disability and life insurance purposes, COVID-19 will be considered just like any other illness.
OEB and our business partners will continue to work together to ensure business continuity. Our primary goal continues to be that you and your family can rely on your UT Benefits to cover the care you need.
Please check with your institution for local information and policies related to COVID-19 that you may need to be aware of.