Jan. 31, 2020
The outbreak of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in China has now appeared in the US, with confirmed cases in Washington state and Chicago, and possible cases at Texas A&M University.
CDC says: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) consider the health risk low for the American public at this time. The center also reports that human coronaviruses are common throughout the world.
How the virus spreads: It’s thought to occur via respiratory droplets from a person whose body is near yours. This is how the flu and other respiratory illnesses spread, too.
Symptoms include: Runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, general feeling of being unwell.
If our members are affected: Our plans will generally cover treatment for coronavirus just like we do for influenza and other viruses. This includes hospitalization and standard treatment as well as treatment of any related infections. If questions arise about coverage for specific drugs or other treatments, we’ll work with providers and federal, state and local health authorities with the intent of helping our members get access to the care and services they need.
More questions? Please email Network Management.