Member Updates & Information

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield provides comprehensive health insurance coverage focused on whole-person care. We cover preventive services and treatments for symptoms of various illnesses and long-term and chronic conditions, including both the short and long-term symptoms associated with COVID-19. We are committed to ensuring the people we serve receive the care they need to get well and stay well.

Yes – if you are having an urgent dental issue, you may have the option to be seen by your dentist virtually – and you’ll pay the same as you would if you were seen in the dentist’s office. Coverage for these emergency virtual encounters is limited to problem-focused evaluations and follow ups only. To learn more about your dental telemedicine options, please call your dentist.

Please note – CareFirst’s Video Visit does not include access to dental providers. Please call your dentist to learn more about your dental telemedicine options.

CareFirst’s participating providers should not bill you for any costs associated with PPE. If your in-network doctor or dentist has added an additional charge, or sent you a separate bill, for PPE or other “enhanced infection control” measures,  please contact our customer service department by secure email through My Account, or call the number on the back of your member ID card. 

• Members can call our free 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line at 800-535-9700 anytime and speak with a registered nurse to discuss their symptoms and get recommendations for the most appropriate care.
• Members can also register for CareFirst Video Visit to securely connect with a doctor, day or night, through their smartphone, tablet or computer. Members can visit CareFirst Video Visit to get started – no appointment is necessary for urgent care services.

CareFirst members should call the number on the back of their member ID card for coverage information for diagnostic testing for COVID-19 administered by a provider. During the Public Health Emergency, CareFirst reimbursed members for over-the-counter at-home tests used for diagnostic purposes that were purchased online or at a store or pharmacy. We will continue to reimburse members for over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests purchased between January 15, 2022 and May 11, 2023. Members have up to one year to submit claims. We will not cover the cost of over-the-counter tests purchased on or after May 12, 2023.

CareFirst does not provide benefits for COVID-19 testing for surveillance, work or social purposes, which includes but is not limited to testing conducted:

• at the direction of a member’s employer to obtain or maintain employment;
• for the return to school or to participate in school activities (e.g., sports); or
• to participate in recreational activities (e.g., concerts, public events, cruises).

This policy applies to all CareFirst members except where testing for surveillance, work or social purposes is required by law.

Some large employers may have elected different benefits. To be sure you understand your benefits, and coverage for COVID-19 testing where you live and work, please call member services at the number on the back of your member ID card.

No. However, CareFirst will reimburse members for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests purchased at any pharmacy or retailer on or between January 15, 2022 and May 11, 2023. Members have up to one year to submit claims. We will not cover the cost of over-the-counter at-home tests purchased on or after May 12, 2023.

The following claims process pertains to CareFirst commercial members only. If you are a Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Medicaid or Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan member, please call the number on the back of your member ID card for benefit information. Commercial members can submit claims online by logging in to, or registering for My Account, clicking ‘My Documents’, then ‘Forms’ and selecting ‘Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Test Online Claim’ to get started. To print and mail your claim, download the claim form (PDF).

The submitted claim must also include:

• The purchase receipt documenting the date of purchase and price
• UPC from the packaging for the over-the-counter COVID-19 test
• Signed, completed attestation stating the test:
  • was purchased between January 15, 2022 and May 11, 2023
  • is for a CareFirst member
  • is not for school or employment purposes
  • has not and will not be reimbursed by another source
  • is not for resale

The attestation included in our claims process ensures our members comply with the spirit of this policy: to ensure tests are accessible and affordable for those who need them.

No. CareFirst doesn’t cover the cost of tests used for these purposes. We will cover the cost of a test used for personal diagnostic use only, if purchased between January 15, 2022 and May 23, 2023. We will ask members to sign an attestation regarding use when submitting a claim

No. CareFirst will reimburse members for tests purchased from a retailer of their choosing between January 15, 2022 and May 23, 2023. This includes online vendors, pharmacies or stores.

Members may receive reimbursement for up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 at-home tests per covered individual in the household per 30-day period without a healthcare provider order or clinical assessment. If multiple tests are sold in one package, i.e., if one package includes two tests, it counts as two tests and not one test package toward the quantity limit. To qualify for reimbursement, tests must be purchased between January 15, 2022 and May 11, 2023.

All American households can order free COVID-19 tests from the federal government. Visit covidtests.gov, and click the blue “Order Free At-Home Tests” button. Then, complete and submit the online form. Everyone qualifies. You do not need health insurance to receive your free tests. People may also access free or affordably priced testing in the community. A list of community-based testing sites can be found here.