Benefit Program Updates Relating to COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, NRECA and our vendor partners are extending certain benefit relief measures based on the recent extension of the public health emergency through October 17, 2021.

The latest extensions are noted below as well as on the Employee Benefits website’s COVID-19 Update page for benefits administrators. Similar information is provided on the Employee Benefits website’s participant landing page. Be sure to review information on extended benefit plan timelines for cooperatives and participants who may be affected by COVID-19.

• NRECA’s Medical Plan will cover FDA-approved COVID-19 tests at 100% of the allowable amount for in- and out-of-network providers through the end of the national health emergency. Amounts over reasonable and customary charges for out-of-network providers will apply as patient responsibility.  Subsequent care related to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis is subject to the plan’s deductible and coinsurance amounts.
• Testing for COVID-19 is covered by the NRECA Medical Plan when the test is FDA-approved and ordered by a medical professional. There is currently no limit on the number of tests covered as long as they meet the criteria for FDA approval and referral by a medical provider.
• Administration costs associated with COVID-19 immunizations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA’s emergency use authorization are covered by the NRECA Medical Plan with no participant cost share. The vaccine itself is covered through the US government.
• CVS Caremark is temporarily waiving early refill limits on 30-day prescriptions for maintenance medications at all in-network pharmacies (excluding controlled substances) through the end of the public health emergency. Up to a 90-day supply of maintenance medications are encouraged for refills. CVS is also temporarily providing free home delivery from CVS retail pharmacies for all prescriptions.
• Teladoc consultation fees have been temporarily suspended for all NRECA Medical Plan participants in high-deductible health plans through October 17, 2021. Teladoc physicians can order antibody testing through Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp locations, if a test is clinically appropriate; there will be no out-of-pocket cost for the consult or the antibody test through October 17, 2021. Note: In 2021, the Teladoc consultation fee is $55 for participants in high-deductible health plans after this waiver expires. 
• Be sure to use the online tool from UnitedHealthcare to locate a COVID-19 vaccination site. 

For specific questions, please reach out to your co-op’s field representative or the Member Contact Center at 866.673.2299. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, Central time.