This has been quite a week. Chaos in Washington, D.C. threatens to overshadow the COVID-19 pandemic, which rages on. On Thursday, the Louisiana Department of Health reported 4,526 new COVID-19 cases and 2,033 people hospitalized with the virus.
But there is hope. Since Dec. 14, 2020, the state has administered nearly 82,000 doses of the first available COVID-19 vaccines. According to the Advocate, more than 7,000 Louisianians have gotten the two doses needed for maximum protection.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana remains committed to your health. We are encouraging our members and all Louisianians to get vaccinated as soon as they can. The Louisiana Department of Health has more information about the state’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan on its website, www.ldh.la.gov.
Blue Cross members of both individual and employer health plans will be able to get a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved COVID-19 vaccine for $0 out of pocket. The federal government prepaid for COVID-19 vaccines through 2021 in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Blue Cross will cover the vaccine’s administration without any member cost-share (deductible, copay or coinsurance) on most health plans. Members of Medicare and Medicaid plans will also be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. If you have questions about vaccine coverage on your health plan, contact Customer Service at the number on your member ID card.
Remember, although COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed, we have not reached herd immunity. Everyone, even those who have received the vaccine, should still wear a face mask when around people who don’t live with you, keep at least six feet between yourself and others and wash your hands often. Also, get your flu shot if you have not already. It’s not too late; the height of flu season is usually in January or February.