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DEAR FRIENDS AND MEMBERS,
WE ARE ACTIVELY WORKING WITH A VARIETY OF ORGANIZATIONS AND DEPARTMENTS TO KEEP YOU UP TO DATE. PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS TO ASSIST US IN GETTING THIS INFORMATION OUT ...THANK YOU TO SIGN UP FOR CORONAVIRUS UPDATES FROM NYS GOVERNORS OFFICE CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS: There are now three mobile testing sites available on Long Island: Jones Beach and Stony Brook University testing is conducted by appointment only call: 888-364-3065. To make an appointment at the Jericho location, visit prohealthcare.com. Empire State Development has established a website for businesses to submit COVID-19 related questions. FOR SMALL BUSINESS DISASTER RELIEF LOANS: The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states low-interest federal disaster loans up to 2 million dollars for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We understand that this opportunity will open to New York businesses today. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profits. For information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at: SBA.Gov/disaster, 1-800-659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. The SBA New York District Office also has its Long Island Branch Office located in Hauppauge dedicated to assist and guide the Long Island Small Business Community as needed. 631-454-0750. APPLYING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE: Applications for Unemployment Insurance have overloaded NYS Department of Labor’s online and phone systems. To deal with the influx they have announced a new filing system based on the applicant’s last name to handle the loads in a more orderly fashion. Filing later in the week will not delay payments or affect the date of an individual’s claim, since all claims are effective on the Monday of the week in which they are filed.
FOR THE HOTEL INDUSTRY: Federal Aid – The industry is rallying to urge Congress for federal assistance. We encourage you to make your voice heard at: https://ahla.quorum.us/campaign/25208/ FOR TRAVEL WORKFORCE: US Travel released new data on estimations of travel impacts and an advocacy strategy for industry assistance that will be needed as a result: https://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/media_root/document/Coronavirus_FullRecoveryOptions.pdf RECOMMENDATION FROM COUNTY EXECUTIVE STEVE BELLONE: We are encouraging Suffolk residents to sign up for Smart911, which allows individuals to provide critical medical information to 9-1-1 and first responders. When someone calls 9-1-1-, their Smart911 Safety Profile is automatically displayed, allowing our public safety agencies to send emergency response teams to the right location with enhanced medical data, especially those who may need assistance not only during this outbreak, but during any emergency. SIGN UP HERE 24/7 ACCESS OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR BUSINESS SUPPORT UNIT DIAL 311 We strongly recommend that all businesses document the impact on your company during this crisis. This includes the financial impacts of any cancellations or postponements, changes in costs from vendors, supply chain impacts, etc. WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER... BIGGER, BETTER & STRONGER!! riverheadchamber.com Per CIGNA
Given today’s environment I wanted to share Cigna’s capabilities and services to support Cigna customers during these trying times.. Did you know our customer service line has been open 24-7-365 over 5 years now? I have included our flyer. Also attached is a brochure on Cigna’s telehealth services which thru both MDLive and Amwell for Cigna, provides Cigna customers with convenient access for treatment of minor conditions. These services have been available for about two years. The Cigna member is charged their PCP copay. We expect a rising trend in virtual care therefore Cigna is updating its provider contracts to cover virtual care provided by existing Cigna contracted providers that are not part of our two telemedicine programs. Specific guidelines are pasted below however we expect it to be modified as this is a fluid topic. The goal is to permanently embrace these services going forward with our contacted providers. As recently communicated All COVID-19 related services are covered without member cost share. Contracted providers already have communications and procedures in place for this pandemic. Below are some FAQ and provider guidance on virtual services outside our telemedicine program. Thank you COVID-19 VIRTUAL CARE Q: Will Cigna allow in-network providers to provide virtual care? Yes. We are making it easier for customers to be treated virtually by their physicians who have the ability to offer virtual care. All providers can deliver virtual care to Cigna customers when the services are billed consistently with the guidance. We are implementing this enhanced measure through May 31, 2020 to protect our customers by mitigating exposure risks and alleviating transportation barriers. We are also working on a permanent Virtual Care Reimbursement Policy that will continue to allow providers in our network to offer virtual care after June 1, 2020. More information about this policy will be shared with providers in the coming months. In the meantime, our COVID-19 virtual care guidance will remain in effect until at least May 31, 2020. Q: How will Cigna cover virtual care for COVID-19 related services? When providers follow the billing guidance, we will cover virtual care as follows: • For COVID-19 related screening (i.e., quick phone or video consult): o By contracted physician in Cigna's network: No cost-share for customer o By virtual vendor (e.g., Amwell or MDLive): No cost-share for customer • For non-COVID-19 related services (e.g., oncology visit, routine follow-up care) o By contracted physician in Cigna's network: Reimbursable at standard office visit rates. o By virtual vendor (e.g., Amwell or MDLive): Reimbursable at standard rates currently in place today. STATE MANDATES Q: How is Cigna complying with state mandates related to COVID-19, such as customer cost share, virtual care policies, testing covered at 100%? Cigna health plans comply with all state mandates as applicable. We are actively reviewing all COVID-19 state mandates and will continue to share more details around coverage, reimbursement, and cost-share as it is available. GUIDANCE- All other virtual visits: a. CPT® code 99241 will be reimbursed for all other synchronous real-time virtual visits when billed with Place of Service 11. b. If the visit is related to COVID-19, the above-mentioned ICD10 diagnosis codes (Z03.818 or Z20.828) are required to be billed and reimbursement will be without customer copay/cost-share. c. If the virtual visit is not related to COVID-19, the ICD10 code for the visit should be billed and reimbursement will be made according to applicable benefits and related cost share. d. No virtual care modifier should be billed e. This billing requirement and associated reimbursement applies to services submitted on CMS1500 claim forms or its electronic equivalent only. VIRTUAL VISITS Code Description 99241 Office consultation for a new or established patient, which requires these 3 key components: a problem focused history; a problem focused examination; and straightforward medical decision making. Counseling and/or coordination of care with other physicians, other qualified health care providers, or agencies are provided consistent with the nature of the problem(s) and the patient's and/or family's needs. Usually, the presenting problem(s) are self-limited or minor. Typically, 15 minutes are spent face-to-face with the patient and/or family G2012 Brief communication technology-based service, e.g., virtual check-in, by a physician or other qualified health care provider who can report evaluation and management services, provided to an established patient, not originating from a related E/M service provided within the previous 7 days nor leading to an E/M service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment; 5-10 minutes of medical discussion We are in this together. Thank you! UnitedHealthcare
Good Morning, During this difficult time we want to make sure we are there for our brokers and clients. Below you will find the links for the client COVID-19 webcast that will be taking place today and tomorrow. Invitations have been sent directly to UnitedHealthcare fully insured and self-funded (ASO) customers, including All Savers. As a reminder UnitedHealthcare will host regular calls with brokers, consultants and customers over the next several weeks. Please note: the times listed below are Central Time. Click the “Event Link” below to add to your calendar! Date/Time Audience Invitation Information Thursday, March 19 10 to 11 a.m. CT Fully insured and All Savers customers (Option 1) Event Link Thursday, March 19 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. CT ASO and UMR customers (Only session for these customers) Event Link Thursday, March 19 3 to 4 p.m. CT Fully insured and All Savers customers (Option 2) Event Link Friday, March 20 1 to 2 p.m. CT Fully insured and All Savers customers (Option 3) Event Link This e-mail and any files transmitted with it may contain confidential and/or privileged material. This e-mail is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to the sender. After notifying the sender of the error, you should immediately delete this e-mail from your system. Please be aware that any unauthorized disclosure, dissemination, distribution, duplication or use of the e-mail contents or any attachments therein is strictly prohibited.
Hi, As you may have seen, New York has created a new QLE both off-exchange and on-exchange in response to COVID-19. This QLE is valid until 4/15 and will allow for 4/1 and 5/1 effective dates. A few helpful callouts:
Dear Valued Clients:
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has required us all to take significant steps to protect ourselves, our families, friends, coworkers, and business partners. In addition to protecting our Team, we are focusing on making sure you are provided the service and support you need. What is #TeamWashwick doing? The Team is set up remotely as well as a few in the Riverhead office to service needs. Right now it is business as usual with a few changes: - All in house Riverhead appointments are canceled and will not be rescheduled in office until 4.1.2020. - All outside appointments have been canceled and moved to online portals, web platforms. - Individual Consultations Assessments have been moved to telephone only until 4.1.2020. The Washwick Agency, Inc. services a very large Senior book of business and feel these decisions are in their best interest as well as the Team in house. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, as well as our Blog on our website for further updates. Stay Safe & Wash Their Hands! #TeamWashwick NY State of Health and New York State Department of Financial Services Announcement NY State of Health and New York State Department of Financial Services Announce Special Enrollment Period for Uninsured New Yorkers, as Novel Coronavirus Cases Climb Remind New Yorkers That There is No Cost Sharing for COVID-19 Testing Across Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Essential Plan, and Qualified Health Plans ALBANY, N.Y. (March 16, 2020) - NY State of Health, together with the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), today announced that New York will make a Special Enrollment Period available to New Yorkers during which eligible individuals will be able to enroll in insurance coverage through NY State of Health, New York’s official health plan Marketplace, and directly through insurers. This step is being taken in light of the COVID-19 public health emergency to further protect the public health of New Yorkers. NY State of Health, DFS, and New York State health insurers are taking this action due to the exceptional nature of the public health emergency posed by the COVID-19 so that individuals do not avoid seeking testing or medical care for fear of cost. The open enrollment period for coverage in 2020 had previously ended on February 7, 2020. Individuals who enroll in Qualified Health Plans through NY State of Health or directly through insurers between March 16 and April 15, 2020 will have coverage effective starting April 1, 2020. Individuals who are eligible for other NY State of Health programs – Medicaid, Essential Plan and Child Health Plus – can enroll year-round. As always, consumers can apply for coverage through NY State of Health on-line at nystateofhealth.ny.gov, by phone at 855-355-5777, and working with enrollment assistors. As directed by Governor Cuomo, all New York insurers will have waived cost-sharing for a COVID-19 testing, “With a pandemic spreading through the U.S., it’s important to ensure that healthcare is available to everyone who needs it,” said NY State of Health Executive Director, Donna Frescatore. “This special enrollment period will provide New Yorkers with another opportunity to sign up for high-quality, affordable health insurance.” “Ensuring access to affordable and quality medical care for all New Yorkers is a top priority during this state of emergency,” said Superintendent of Financial Services Linda A. Lacewell. “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, we have established a special enrollment period, providing uninsured New Yorkers an opportunity to select a New York State health insurance provider to access diagnostic testing and care they may need.” For additional information on COVID-19
-###- Contact: NY State Department of Health press@health.ny.gov 518-474-7354 ext. 1 About NY State of Health New York opened its health plan Marketplace, NY State of Health in October 2013. The Marketplace’s one stop health insurance shopping experience offers high quality comprehensive health plans. NY State of Health is the only place where consumers can qualify to get help paying for coverage through premium discounts or tax credits. Eligible New Yorkers can also enroll in Medicaid, Child Health Plus and the Essential Plan through the Marketplace all year. For more information about the NY State of Health Marketplace, please visit: https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/ or call Customer Service at 1-855-355-5777, TTY: 1-800-662-1220 or find an enrollment assistor. About the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) The Department of Financial Services supervises and regulates the activities of approximately 1,500 banking and other financial institutions with assets totaling more than $2.6 trillion and more than 1,400 insurance companies with assets of more than $4.7 trillion. They include more than 130 life insurance companies, 1,300 property/casualty insurance companies, about 100 health insurers and managed care organizations, and 300,000 individual insurance licensees, 122 state-chartered banks, 80 foreign branches, 10 foreign agencies, 14 credit unions, 13 credit rating agencies, nearly 400 licensed financial services companies, and more than 9,600 mortgage loan originators and servicers. For more information visit: https://www.dfs.ny.gov/. Dear Clients:
We have had many clients reach out concerned over their upcoming travel. #TeamWashwick has your covered. Few things to note about travel insurance with AIG/Travelguard:
Now.. the KEY to many of the questions? · Am I covered if I contract Coronavirus? If you contract Coronavirus prior to your departure, you would be covered for Trip Cancellation if there is a confirmed diagnosis, including proof of illness from your doctor that states you are medically unable to travel at the time of departure. If you become ill with Coronavirus while on a covered trip, you would be covered for Medical Expense and Trip Interruption/Curtailment benefits if there is a confirmed diagnosis, including proof of illness from a doctor. These coverages are subject to the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. Please click here to access a copy of your insurance policy. What happens if I am quarantined due to Coronavirus while on a trip? If you are quarantined as a result of Coronavirus, you would be covered under the Trip Interruption/Curtailment benefit, subject to the terms and conditions of your insurance policy. Please click here to access a copy of your policy. How do you purchase a Travel Insurance Policy? - First, #TeamWashwick recommends seeing if you can save a little money and contact your Credit Card Company regarding coverage of your airfare, lodging and non-refundable portions of your trip. They might have you covered! -Secondly, #TeamWashwick recommends checking if you are covered under your current Medical policy. Most do not cover you out of the country. - Third, #TeamWashwick recommends quick and easy quoting and binding of policy through our website portal: https://www.washwick.com/travelinsurance.html There are several plan options. We have attached the 3 most popular Policy Outlines for review prior to purchase. If you need any help don't hesitate to contact #TeamWashwick. Safe & HAPPY travels- Corona Virus-EmblemHealth NY
Benefits and cost-sharing: Cost-sharing as required by the state for testing, as well in-network cost-sharing for physician’s office visits, urgent care visits and emergency room visits associated with testing are being waived. EmblemHealth will not require preauthorization for COVID-19 testing. |
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