For the latest information on the extension of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency benefits currently extended to November 11, 2023, please click here.
Below is Covid-19 specific specific information regarding PHBP Relief Measures, Anthem Blue Cross testing, treatment, revised policies and procedures, and small business owner links to information of the CARES Act.
Additionally, PHBP has established a curated community bulletin board of information you may find useful, on subjects such as Staying Connected, Staying Healthy, Staying In Tune, Staying Informed and other subjects relevant to the current environment. While public posts are not permitted, we encourage you to share links and other information that my help commercial freelance and staff employees affected by Covid-19. Please email suggested content to johns@phbp.org
First things first:
Anthem has launched a new symptom checker app called Sydney Care, on the App Store and Google Play. This app allows you to:
Alternatively:
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.
If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19 or you are a resident in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19 and develop symptoms of COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and tell them about your symptoms and your exposure.
Your doctor will decide whether you need to be tested, but keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and people who are mildly ill may be able to isolate and care for themselves at home. IF you meet ALL the criteria the doctor will direct to you where to go to be tested. Members cannot self-direct themselves to be tested.
People at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild.
Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:
*This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
PHBP Coronavirus Relief Package
For the full announcement, please read the PHBP Coronavirus Relief Announcement from March 24, 2020. As some policies were set to expire at the end of May 2020, an Extended PHBP Coronavirus Relief Announcement from May 8, 2020 was issued to reflect PHBP’s work to address the dynamic nature of this pandemic. A summary of policy adjustments:
Examples:
A) John’s current Qualification Period ends May 31st. His current Coverage Period ends July 31st. Due to the current crisis and resulting lack of work, the Plan is extending John’s Qualifying Period and current Coverage Period by 4 months. Therefore, the end of his current Qualification Period will push from May 31st to September 30th. The end of his current Coverage Period will push from July 31st to November 30th. If John requalifies for coverage by September 30th, his next 12 month coverage period will start December 1st.
B) Jane’s current Qualification Period ends November 31st. Her current Coverage Period ends January 31st, 2021. Due to the current crisis and resulting lack of work, the Plan is extending Jane’s Qualifying Period and current Coverage Period by 4 months. Therefore, the end of her current Qualification Period will push from November 31st to March 31st, 2021. The end of her current Coverage Period will push from January 31st to May 31st. If Jane requalifies for coverage by March 31st, her next 12 month coverage period will start June 1st, 2021.
The Producers’ Health Benefits Plan recognizes the financial challenges confronting our commercial production community and extends these relief mechanisms to ease the resulting financial burdens and concerns of continued health coverage. Although we cannot foresee how long this crisis will last or what impact it will ultimately have, we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our course of action as required for prudent governance and the wellbeing of our membership.
Benefits with PHBP
Anthem Blue Cross is temporarily waiving all out of pocket costs, including deductibles, to use their Live Health Online service. Anthem is also expanding its care options to give members better access to dental care during the COVID-19 crisis. The TeleDentists® and Ortho@Home providers joined the plan networks on May 1, 2020.
The TeleDentists
The TeleDentists is a service that offers emergency dental care 24/7 on computers, tablets and smartphones. Anthem plans will cover teledentistry exams at 100 percent with no deductibles, copays, paperwork, or claims to file through June 30, 2020. We cover teledentistry the same way as we do equivalent care in a dentist’s office.
The TeleDentists flyer provides more information for you and your employees.
Ortho@Home
Members can also choose virtual services for teeth straightening through Ortho@Home, Anthem’s new at-home orthodontia program. Members with orthodontic benefits will have access to at-home clear aligner therapy. They will also receive retainers and teeth whitening when treatment is finished. This flyer explains the details.
For the most updated information, PHBP participants should check the CDC’s Dedicated Coronavirus (COVID-19) Page.
Anthem’s Coronavirus Information Section contains detailed information on commonly asked questions, including Prevention & Treatment and how Anthem benefits will work. A few key take away points:
As a reminder, Mobile Health Consumer, on the App Store and Google Play, allows you to access information on all of your PHBP benefits, including the closest in-network urgent care facilities and digital versions of your ID cards. You can also Log In to your Anthem Account for complete details on your medical plan.
MetLife Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The EAP can provide you and your family with guidance, focus, and support for a wide range of issues, such as personal, substance abuse, emotional stress, dependent care and work-related concerns. You can reach a specially trained counselor 24 hours a day for on the spot assistance. You can also access tools and resources directly from your phone. Get the free mobile app – just search for “LifeWorks”. All services are confidential.
Covid-19 Workplace Guidelines and Considerations
The AICP has a dedicated page to Covid-19 Workplace Guidelines and Considerations that is updated regularly. The sections are dedicated to General Practices for All Worksites (On Set, Stage, Studio, Facility, Office), Production-Specific Departmental Guidance, and Post-Production Specific Considerations, as well as a Reverse Chronology of All Revisions to track changes.