Member Updates & Information

• Union Center Plaza (UCP) Lobby Service
• Red Run 802 Lobby Service
• Salisbury Regional Office
• Easton Regional Office
• Annapolis Regional Office
• Frederick Regional Office
• Hagerstown Regional Office
• Cumberland Regional Office

• Follow the CDC’s immunization guidelines, including everyone 6 months and older getting the flu shot each season
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home when you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

• Going online - Go to My Account, click on Coverage, select Drug and Pharmacy Resources and under Mail Order, click on Request a New Mail Order Prescription to set up an account.
• Calling the toll-free number on the back of your member ID card.

Congress recently made several changes that impact how individuals can use and fund their health spending accounts. More information is available from our Consumer-Directed Healthcare partner, Further.

The following resources are available for individuals:

Direct Payments

• Most individuals will be eligible for a direct payment from the federal government. Adults earning up to $75,000 will receive $1,200, and joint filers earning up to $150,000 will receive $2,400. Amounts received diminish beyond these income limits, and no person earning over $99,000 (or joint filers earning over $198,000) would receive the benefit.
• The payment will happen automatically; no further action is needed by you.
• The distribution of the payments is expected to begin in the next three weeks.
• See the IRS FAQs for more information.

Unemployment Insurance

• Unemployment benefits have been extended to last an additional 13 weeks.
• On top of your normal unemployment check, you will receive $600 weekly for the next four months.
• You may qualify for unemployment under one of the newly eligible groups. For example, self-employed and those in COVID-19 quarantine are eligible to receive benefits.
• The start date to receive these benefits varies by state, check with your state’s unemployment office for more information.

CareFirst will cover, with no cost share to the member (including our members enrolled in high deductible health plans), the appropriate medically necessary diagnostic testing for COVID-19, where it is not covered as part of the Public Health Service response, and ensure patient testing and any subsequently needed care are done in close coordination with federal, state and public health authorities.

For information on where to get tested, visit Community-Based Testing Sites for COVID-19 | HHS.gov

Medicare will cover the diagnostic testing of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Members will have no out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, Medicare covers all medically necessary hospitalizations. This includes if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you need to stay in the hospital under quarantine. Medicare Supplement plans will pay their share of costs after Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount for covered health care costs. Medicare Supplement plans will pay Medicare Part A and Part B costs with the same cost sharing a member would normally have based on the Medicare Supplement plan they are enrolled in. For more information, visit Medicare.gov.

Members with a Medicare Supplement deductible will need to meet that deductible before their plan pays for any associated treatment.

CareFirst will fully cover the cost of emergency use authorized home COVID-19 testing when ordered by a doctor, nurse practitioner or other authorized provider. Reminder: CareFirst covers medically necessary COVID tests.  CareFirst does not pay for COVID-19 diagnostic testing for return to work/school testing.

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. This dental telemedicine benefit is available for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. 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.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most people have not been able to see their orthodontist except for emergency or urgent care. But some people may receive a bill even though their appointment was cancelled.

Treatments like braces require multiple visits over many months, even years. At the start of your treatment, many orthodontists work with you to create a payment plan, which may be automated. As a result, you may still be receiving a monthly bill, even though you have not been seen by your orthodontist due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. 

If you are experiencing difficulties making these payment plan payments or are concerned about owing a large payment once you can begin office visits again, CareFirst encourages you to contact your orthodontist and ask about payment options. The total amount you owe should not change, despite delays in check-in visits during the COVID-19 public health crisis.

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.

District of Columbia Residents

D.C. residents without insurance can get coverage during the coronavirus pandemic through March 31, 2021 during their special enrollment period.

Maryland Residents

Maryland residents may obtain Individual coverage through the Maryland Health Connection until March 15, 2021.

Virginia Residents

Virginia residents who have lost coverage since January 1, 2020 may use this life event to enroll in coverage at Healthcare.gov. Applicants may need to provide proof of their loss of insurance coverage and the date that coverage ended.