Farm Bureau Health Plans is committed to the protection of both our members and employees during these challenging times. We are ensuring our members and employees have access to the support, care and educational resources required to successfully navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
We also want to assure our members that, although we’ve had to adjust the way we do business, we are still here to answer your calls and pay your claims. While many of our employees are working from the safety of home, we are continuing to deliver the service you’ve come to expect from Farm Bureau Health Plans.
Farm Bureau Health Plans has been protecting Tennesseans since 1947 and we will continue to do so – no matter the challenges placed before us.
COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS
For Individual and Family Plan members who wish to receive the vaccine, FBHP will pay 100% of the cost of the vaccine and its administration as long as the current Public Health Emergency remains in effect. Please note:
- The vaccine is covered at 100% for all Individual and Family Plans with the exception of Short Term Care. Short Term Care plans do not cover vaccines of any kind.
- Both rounds of the vaccine administration will be covered at 100%.
- FBHP will cover 100% of the vaccine costs and its administration by both in network and out of network providers.
- FBHP will re-evaluate continued coverage of the vaccine once the declared Public Health Emergency has ended.
For our Medicare members, please be advised that Medicare is paying 100% of the cost for the vaccine and its two-step administration for all Medicare-eligible individuals.
Farm Bureau Health Plans hopes the introduction and successful administration of the COVID-19 vaccine will help return Tennessee and our nation to a state of healthy normalcy.
Other information resources include:
- https://www.optumrx.com/content/dam/rxmember/Most%20Used%20Forms%20-%20Public/COVID-19-Vaccine-Member-FAQ.pdf
- https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines
INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY AND SHORT TERM CARE PLANS
Beginning February 4, 2020, FBHP members will pay no out-of-pocket costs for approved and authorized COVID-19 testing and test-related visits. Both the testing and related visit will be paid at 100% for any place of service, including telemedicine visits through the end of the public health emergency.* This applies for any Under 65 coverage you may have with us, and to providers and facilities both in-network and out-of-network.
* Surveillance testing is generally not covered. Examples of COVID-19 testing/screening not covered include:
- Pre-employment
- Educational institution admission
- Sports participation
- Medical certificate
Please note we continue to re-evaluate our COVID-19-related coverage with applicable dates being subject to change.
We’d also like to remind members about an important benefit included in their FBHP coverage plan – the prescription home delivery service from Optum Rx. This valuable benefit can help limit our members’ possible exposure to COVID-19 at a supermarket or pharmacy by having a 90-day supply of their medications delivered right to their door. Please click here to learn more.
TELADOC
If you are enrolled in one of our Individual or Family Plans*, Grandfathered Plans or Short Term Care, your coverage plan includes access to Teladoc. Teladoc gives you access to a U.S. board certified doctor 24/7 via phone call, video chat or mobile app visit.
It’s a simple, convenient way to speak with a licensed doctor about your symptoms or health concerns and avoid visiting a busy doctor’s office or hospital emergency room during this outbreak of COVID-19.
Call 1-800-Teladoc or visit Teladoc.com to register and/or make an appointment.
Additionally, all Individual or Family Plan members (with the exception of Short Term Care) have access to Teladoc Expert Medical Services (EMS). This virtual health care service can provide you with answers to medical questions, a confirmation or modification of a diagnosis, guidance on picking a treatment option, or help deciding if a surgery is right for you.
*$0 member cost on all plans except HDHP plans. HDHP plan members are responsible for 100% of current Teladoc copay per visit until calendar year deductible (CYD) is met. No charge after CYD is met.
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS
For our Medicare Supplement members, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has shared the following information related to COVID-19 related coverage:
- Medicare covers lab tests for COVID-19 and the related physician’s visit. You pay no out-of-pocket costs.
- Medicare will cover the approved benefit amount for medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you’re diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine.
- Medicare has authorized that most covered services will be covered at standard benefit levels even if performed through a telehealth service provided by authorized physicians and practices.
- If you have a spouse or family member in a nursing home, CMS has announced new regulatory requirements requiring nursing facilities to inform residents and their families of any COVID-19 cases in their facilities.
- COVID-19 vaccines are covered by Medicare Part B or by a Part D prescription drug plan as a preventive measure with no cost sharing required.
Please visit Medicare.gov for more information concerning CMS’s response to COVID-19.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
As a reminder, FBHP has convenient online payment options for paying non-quarterly paper invoices, returned payments and restoration of coverage. While this does not include quarterly payments, if you are currently paying by this method, this would be a great time to update your billing preference to monthly bank draft. The form to set up this monthly draft can be found by clicking here.
At this point FBHP does not foresee any disruption in drafting premiums. Click here for online payment options.
We want our members to know we are here to support them through this challenging time. And we’d like to remind our members about the benefits of your coverage.
PROTECT YOURSELF
- Wear a mask of face covering that protects your nose and mouth.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand rub) for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue.
- Clean and disinfect objects (i.e. cell phone, computer) and high-touch surfaces regularly.
PREVENTING COMMUNITY SPREAD
Learn how to help curtail the spread of COVID-19; click here for more information. Social distancing can help slow down the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for doing your part to help support public health.
SYMPTOMS
Refer to the helpful comparison chart below to help distinguish between the common cold, the flu and coronavirus.
| Symptoms | Coronavirus | Cold | Flu | Seasonal Allergies |
| Fever | Common | Rare | Common | Sometimes |
| Fatigue | Sometimes | Sometimes | Common | Sometimes |
| Cough | Common (usually dry) | Mild | Common (usually dry) | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | No | Common | No | Common |
| Aches and Pains | Sometimes | Common | Common | No |
| Runny or Stuffy Nose | Rare | Common | Sometimes | Common |
| Sore Throat | Sometimes | Common | Sometimes | No |
| Diarrhea | Rare | No | Sometimes for children | No |
| Headaches | Sometimes | Rare | Common | Sometimes |
| Shortness of Breath | Sometimes | No | No | Sometimes |
TREATMENT
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms (such as a cough or difficulty breathing), call your health care provider.
The following symptoms may present 2-14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
COPING WITH COVID-19
Click here for some guidance and helpful steps for coping emotionally with the stress and anxiety being faced by many during these uncertain times.
COVID-19 FAQs
For simple, straight-forward answers about COVID-19, please click here.
MORE HELPFUL LINKS
Visit sites below for more information on COVID-19 from the federal government, Johns Hopkins University and the World Health Organization:
https://www.coronavirus.gov/
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019