Update 02/03/2022:

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an extension of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 to 04/16/2022.

Update 2/17/2021:

During the PHE, all COVID-19 vaccines are covered at no cost to you, in and out of network, if you are enrolled in the A&M Care, 65 plus, J, or Graduate Student Employee health plan. As availability increases, you can get the vaccine at your doctor’s office or pharmacy.

Update 01/07/2021:

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced an extension of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 to 04/20/2021.

BCBS/A&M Care Plans

• COVID-19 Testing and Testing-Related Visits (cost-share waiver for COVID-19 Lab & Associated Services)
  • Extended to the end of the PHE
• Treatment (cost-share waiver)
  • Extended to 03/31/21
• Telemedicine
  • Returned to normal co-pay cost
  • Telemedicine visits will continue through MDLIVE or personal physician (if offered)

AHP/Graduate Student Employee Plan

• COVID-19 Testing and Testing-Related Visits (cost-share waiver for COVID-19 Lab & Associated Services)
  • Extended to the end of the PHE
• Treatment (cost-share waiver)
  • Ended 12/31/2020
• Telemedicine
  • Ended coverage and cost-share waiver 12/31/2020
  • Returned to normal co-pay cost
  • Telemedicine visits will continue through MDLIVE or personal physician (if offered
• Chest CT Scan – Extended to the end of the PHE

Update 08/01/20: Extension of COVID-19 related services. The following will be continued through September 30, 2020:

• A waiver for the copay for MDLIVE Services
• A waiver of any copay for telehealth services for in-network physicians

The following will be continued until the end of the Health and Human Services public health emergency:

• A waiver for medically necessary cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing

The end of the waiver for medically necessary cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatment will be October 23, 2020.

Update 06/30/20: Extension of COVID-19 related services. The following will be continued through August 31, 2020.

• A waiver for the copay for MDLIVE Services
• A waiver for medically necessary cost-sharing for COVID-19 testing and treatment

Update 05/18/20: Extension of telemedicine services. A&M Care plan members, as well as those on the student insurance and graduate student employee plan, can receive telemedicine services from their network physicians who provide it, for medically-necessary, covered medical and behavioral health services for a zero copay until June 30, 2020. The claim must indicate services were provided via telemedicine/telehealth. If there is a need to continue this practice, we will re-evaluate before that time.

Update 04/27/20: Extension of telemedicine services. A&M Care plan members, as well as those on the student insurance and graduate student employee plan, can receive telemedicine services from their network physicians who provide it, for medically-necessary, covered medical and behavioral health services for a zero copay until May 31, 2020. The claim must indicate services were provided via telemedicine/telehealth. If there is a need to continue this practice, we will re-evaluate before that time.

Update 04/16/20: As a part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed into federal law on March 27th, 2020, many new health care products are now eligible for purchase with FSA funds. Feminine/menstrual care products (tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges, etc.) are now medically eligible products, and over-the-counter drugs (antihistamines, antacids, cold medications, etc.) no longer require a prescription to be purchased with FSA dollars.

Update 04/13/20: The A&M System will waive all member deductibles, copays and coinsurance costs for treatment related to COVID 19, April 1, 2020 through May 31, 2020 for all of the BCBS A&M Care Plans, including the Grad Plan.

Update 04/05/20: The two-step wellness incentive program completion date has been extended from June 30, 2020 to August 31, 2020. There are several checklist activities, such as Well onTarget Self-Management Programs, educational HealthQuests, and MDLIVE registration, that can be completed digitally/virtually and we encourage members to participate in those programs to promote their health and wellbeing while avoiding nonessential appointments. Not all members have the same checklist items and further information can be found on the System Benefits Administration website.

Update 03/16/20

Until further notice, the co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles for COVID-19 testing consistent with guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be waived by the A&M System health plans. Express Scripts is also authorizing payment to pharmacies for up to a 90-day supply of any prescription medication for individuals, regardless of when the prescription was filled.

As of Monday, March 16, A&M Care plan members, as well as those on the student insurance and graduate student employee plan, can receive telemedicine services from their network physicians who provide it, for medically-necessary, covered medical and behavioral health services for a zero copay until April 30th. The claim must indicate services were provided via telemedicine/telehealth. If there is a need to continue this practice, we will re-evaluate before that time.

As of Thursday, March 19, the MDLIVE copay of $20 will be temporarily waived for all services until further notice.
Due to the closing of day cares and employers directing employees to work from home, enrolled employees are eligible to reduce their dependent day care flexible spending account contributions through a Life Event Benefit Change within 60 days of the work-from-home date. They will be able to change their deductions again when they return to work, as it will still be considered a Life Event.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

BCBS Informational Flyer Regarding Coronavirus  |  Spanish

MDLIVE Virtual Visits

The MDLIVE copay of $20 will be temporarily waived for all services until further notice.

MDLIVE Website 

Academic Blue – Student Health Plans

FAQ

Telemedicine Copay Waived