COVID-19 Updates

Commencing January 15th until the end of the public health emergency (5/11/23), for those who have current Active Medical coverage, OptumRx will provide free of charge EUA (Emergency Use Authorization) approved COVID-19 test kits filled at any Rite Aid Pharmacy.  To support manual claim processing as part of a standard solution, test kits not purchased through the Retail Preferred Network (Rite-Aid) will be reimbursed up to $12 per test/unit (it would need to be the ones on the list below that have been approved for Emergency Use (EU)).  A quantity limit of eight (8) test/units per eligible participant per calendar month will be applied across the entire EUA approved test kits. For your convenience, click on the link to find your closet Rite Aid near you. https://www.riteaid.com/locations/search.html

Product ID                                          Product Label

82607066026                                  Flowflex Kit Home Test 

14613033968                                    Quickvue Home Kit Covid-19 

14613033972                                     Quickvue Home Kit Covid-19 

56964000000                                 Ellume Cov19 Kit Home Test 

11877001140                                     Binaxnow Cov19 Kit Home Test 

08337000158                                   Inteliswab Kit Covid-19 

50021086001                                   Ellume Cov19 Kit Home Test 

60006019166                                   On/Go Covid Kit Antigen 

82607066027                                  Flowflex Kit Test 

In the event there are no Rite-Aid pharmacies in close proximity, there are various ways you can submit the receipts. You can log into your account by using your computer and completing the form and uploading your receipts, mailing in a paperwork reimbursement form, or clicking on the link below with your mobile device and simply upload a picture of your receipt after completing the form. https://covidtest.optumrx.com/covid-test-reimbursement 

You can also access free testing in the community. A list of community-based testing sites can be found here  https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html Remember COVID-19 tests are also available without cost-sharing to covered individuals when administered by a health care provider such as a nurse, doctor, or pharmacist, without limitation. 

________________________________________________________________________________

 Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Testing: Fact Sheet

As of January 15, 2022, IUOE Local 15 is required by federal law to cover certain over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests for eligible plan participants. This fact sheet provides a summary of the rules currently in effect for reimbursement of these tests. We will provide an update to the rules as additional guidance is released. 

What is covered?

· Participants may purchase up to eight COVID-19 tests per covered family member per 30 days. Note: Tests performed at a doctor’s office or hospital do not count toward the eight-test maximum for reimbursement.

· If COVID-19 tests are purchased at an in-network OptumRx pharmacy (Rite Aid, Walmart and Sam’s Club), they will be fully covered at the point-of-sale with no copay, coinsurance or deductible.

· If they are purchased at an out-of-network pharmacy, reimbursement is limited to $12.  You must submit a claim and appropriate receipts to the plan to receive reimbursement.

· At this time, retiree-only plans are not required to cover COVID-19 tests. Retirees can request a free COVID-19 test at https://www.covidtests.gov/.

Immediately. Over-the-counter or doctor-ordered COVID-19 tests are eligible for reimbursement from January 15, 2022 through the end of the public health emergency. Note: Tests purchased for employment purposes are not covered.

Purchasing COVID-19 tests from a network pharmacy, either in person or online, that participates is your best option. You can find a network pharmacy near you at OptumRx.com. If you purchase a COVID-19 test from an out-of-network retailer, the Plan will cover either the full cost of the test or $12—whichever amount is lower.

Keep in mind that COVID-19 tests are in high demand right now. The federal government launched COVIDtests.gov, which offers every home in the U.S. four free at-home tests.

COVID-19 tests purchased at a network pharmacy are covered 100% after you submit a claim for reimbursement. For tests purchased from out-of-network retailers, you must submit a claim for reimbursement along with a copy of the receipt and the UPC code from your COVID-19 test’s box. You’ll be reimbursed for either the full cost of the test or $12—whichever amount is lower.

When should I take a COVID-19 test?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends getting tested if:

· You have symptoms of COVID-19, even after vaccination.

· You’ve been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, even after vaccination.

· You took part in a high-risk activity that made social distancing more difficult, such as travelling or attending a large gathering.

· You’ve been asked or instructed to get tested by your doctor or local health department.

Please see the FDA website or consult with your physician concerning when you should take a COVID-19 test.

In addition to the free at-home COVID-19 tests from the federal government, you may find free tests at your local public library, fire station, or public testing site.  These community resources may also be helpful:

· In New York: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you

· In New Jersey: https://covid19.nj.gov/pages/testing