Courtesy of Blue Cross
Blue Shield of Alabama

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has paid, contributed and made available $230 million in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus, supporting its members, employer customers, providers and the community across Alabama. The 36 Blue Cross Blue Shield companies and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program have committed nearly $3 billion on a national basis in support of members, healthcare workers and local communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is committed to giving back to communities statewide to fight the coronavirus pandemic. The company has made contributions in support of food scarcity, small business loans, personal protective equipment and meals for healthcare workers, and other relief efforts across the state. Some programs receiving support include United Way Meals on Wheels, Alabama Food Bank, Birmingham Strong, American Red Cross, Alabama Department of Public Health, Jefferson Country Department of Health and other local community foundations. 

“COVID-19 has created unprecedented health and economic challenges for Alabamians,” said Tim Vines, President and CEO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. “As we continue working to combat COVID-19 throughout the state, it is critical that we continue to care for and support our customers, providers and the communities we serve.”

Blue Cross is also continuing to work with local and state governments and public officials to ensure the company is able to plan for and address current and future needs of its customers, providers and communities across the state. Commitments made by Blue Cross since March include:

l Waiving member cost-sharing for coronavirus diagnostic testing, treatments and the related in-person or telehealth office visits, urgent care visits and emergency room visits for fully-insured individual, employer-based, Federal Employee Program and Medicare Advantage plans.

l Waiving prior authorizations for coronavirus diagnostic tests and related covered services that are medically necessary and consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, for all fully insured plans.

l Increasing access to prescription medications by waiving early medication refill limits on prescription medications and encouraging members to use their 90-day retail or mail order benefit. 

l Expanding access to telehealth for in-network providers. In addition to office visit consultations by physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, telehealth also includes physical, speech and occupational therapy, behavioral health, optometry, ophthalmology, chiropractic, dental and dieticians (subject to provider capability).

l Offering interest free cash advances to rural hospitals and primary care physicians

l From March through May, waiving inpatient deductibles, copays and coinsurance for members with coverage through their employer fully insured with Blue Cross, if a member was admitted to an in-network hospital with a coronavirus related diagnosis.

l Ensuring staff to be specifically available to address inquiries related to medical services and other questions, resulting in timely responses related to coronavirus.

For more information, please visit www.AlabamaBlue.com/Coronavirus. For the latest on coronavirus developments, please visit the CDC’s website.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has insured Alabamians for 84 years. Blue Cross offers coverage plans to corporations, individuals and the senior market. For more information about Blue Cross, visit www.AlabamaBlue.com.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.