Conference clarifies insurance benefits for thousands of lay employees and clergy working in Michigan's seven Catholic dioceses
LANSING — Lay employees and clergy covered by medical benefit plans administered by the Michigan Catholic Conference have access to free diagnostic testing for COVID-19, where available, as well as “telemedicine” visits and tools for coping with emotional stress during the novel coronavirus outbreak, the conference said in a statement posted to its website.
The Michigan Catholic Conference, which administers benefits for thousands of Church workers in each of Michigan’s seven Catholic dioceses, said its health plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan are “fully covering the cost (including cost share) of medically necessary COVID-19 tests that are prescribed to our members by their physicians, following CDC guidelines.”
The plans are also temporarily waiving prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and for coronavirus-related services, the statement said.
As the number of infections in Michigan continues to rise — as of March 17, the state had reported 65 cases — hospitals statewide have begun offering drive-through testing for for COVID-19 for those displaying symptoms, which include cough, fever and difficulty breathing.
“The MCC Benefits Team is continually receiving updated information from the State of Michigan, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19,” the conference’s statement said.
In addition to covering testing for the virus, the MCC also highlighted its new LifeWorks Employee Assistance Program, which offers employees tools for coping with emotional and life stress through “short videos, tutorials and medically relevant information for those interested in additional resources.”
As more and more people are reluctant to venture out of their homes during the outbreak, employees also have access to “virtual care benefits” that include remote “telemedicine” visits with a physician.
“Seeking virtual consultations for flu-like symptoms is a safe step for members who want to talk with board-certified doctors and can help avoid the spread of illness in physician office and emergency room settings,” the conference said, adding the benefit is not new or temporary. “Blue Cross Online Visits (BCOV) is well-positioned to be a ‘front door’ to coronavirus management for our members.”
If a patient utilizing a telemedicine visit is determined to need in-person care and is deemed to be possibly contagious, the doctor will “contact the brick-and-mortar clinic to alert them of pending arrival of a patient, with directions on how to quarantine the patient.”
Public health authorities would also be notified of the referral.
American Well, the company supporting Blue Cross’ online visit program, has also established an “infection control officer,” a reporting and follow-up team and a “COVID-19 leadership and readiness team” tasked with monitoring demand and minimizing wait times for online visits.
The Michigan Catholic Conference also announced most staff at its Lansing-based headquarters are working remotely, while continuing to answer phone calls and emails.
For more information about the Michigan Catholic Conference’s benefits and COVID-19 response, visit http://www.micatholic.org/about/covid-19/.
