COVID-19 FAQ
COVID vaccines are safe and effective. Vaccines help prevent adults and children from getting really sick with COVID. Learn more about vaccine effectiveness on the CDC website and on the FDA website.
Effective September 11, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved and recommends new, single-dose COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for all persons aged 6 months and older. The new vaccines are designed to protect against the XBB variant for those receiving a vaccine for the first time or as a booster to previously received vaccines.
People who are vaccinated can still get COVID. But the vaccine helps prevent severe illness. Check the CDC website for updates on COVID-19 variants.
What do you need to bring to a vaccine or booster appointment?
- Photo ID – Bring a photo ID so they can verify your name for the vaccination system.
- Insurance Card – Bring your health insurance card with you.
- Original Medicare Card – Some providers require that Medicare members bring their original (red, white, and blue) Medicare card.
Yes, you may receive both vaccines at the same time. In fact, it is strongly encouraged.
You can get your COVID-19 vaccine at a convenient location — like a local in-network immunization participating pharmacy or physician office. Getting your vaccine is quick, easy, and effective.
Member Cost Share
For members who have plans with the standard preventive schedule, it is highly likely that there will be no member cost share. However, it is possible that some members may see out-of-pocket costs when receiving the new vaccine if their employer does not offer the preventive benefit or their plan does not otherwise cover it.
Members will incur out-of-pocket costs if they receive vaccines from a non-network provide when in-network options are available. COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, are covered for members with Medicare Part B.
Call the Member Service number on the back of your insurance card if you have any questions about your coverage.
Yes. Young and healthy people can still carry Coronavirus and risk infecting others. For example, you may have COVID without symptoms and pass it along to friends or family and the community.
Yes, you should still get the vaccine. Having had COVID one or more times does not guarantee that you will not get it again or prevent you from infecting others.
COVID-19 General Safety
If you think you have COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for safety measures you can take to prevent spreading it to others.
COVID and Pregnancy
If you are pregnant and think you have COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for COVID and pregnancy. The website has up to date safety information and news.
Hospital and Clinic Safety
Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with those who are coughing, sneezing, or wheezing. Check the hospital or clinic website or call to find out if you need to wear a mask.
COVID-19 Vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated information about COVID shots. Please visit the CDC website for more information.
A booster shot is an extra dose of a vaccine that helps protect you from becoming ill. You get a booster when the initial protection of a vaccine series begins to weaken. Learn more about COVID-19 booster shots on the CDC website.
Getting the updated COVID vaccine this COVID season can help protect you from getting ill. Learn about mixing and matching COVID-19 shots from the National Institutes of Health.
Call the telephone number on the back of your insurance card for Member Service. This phone number is specific to your plan and benefits. You can also contact us through the Highmark member portal.
When to get boosters depends on things like your age, and when you got your last vaccine and more. Read about staying up to date with COVID-19 boosters on the CDC website.
Yes, the CDC recommends that everyone stays up to date with booster shots. Get the CDC’s COVID booster guidelines for children and adults.
COVID-19 Vaccine Safety
Like other medicines and vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines have gone through extensive testing to make sure they are safe. The vaccines authorized by the FDA have shown to be highly effective in preventing coronavirus infection. Read more about how the CDC is ensuring the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines.
If you are at-risk for COVID or if you live with someone who is high-risk, wear an N-95 face mask when you’re out in public. Project N-95 is a nonprofit organization that sells face masks and donates face masks to people who need them.
COVID Coverage and Costs
Visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for the most up to date information on COVID tests.
Call the telephone number on the back of your insurance card for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Member Service. This phone number is specific to your plan and benefits. You can also contact us through the Highmark member portal.
Yes, insurance covers COVID testing when performed by an in-network medical professional. Cost sharing may very likely apply with deductible, copayments, coinsurance. Costs vary depending on your plan. If you have questions about coverage or costs for COVID testing, call the Member Service at the number on the back of your insurance card. You can also contact us through the Highmark member portal.
Most insurance covers COVID treatment. Our number one priority is your health and making sure you receive the care you need. While insurance covers COVID treatment, costs vary depending on plan Cost sharing may very likely apply with deductible, copayments, coinsurance. If you have questions about insurance coverage or costs for COVID treatment, call Member Service using the number on the back of your insurance card. You can also contact us through the Highmark member portal.
You can find travel coverage options on your member website and through your plan app. You can also call Member Service using the number on the back of your insurance card. This number is specific to your plan and benefits. You can also contact us through the Highmark member portal.
Yes, most plans cover you while traveling. Copays, deductibles and coinsurance still apply. Review your coverage options on your member website and by using your plan app. You can also call Member Service using the number on the back of your insurance card. This number is specific to your plan and benefits. You can also contact us through the Highmark member portal.
