What should I do if I think I have symptoms of COVID-19?
If you believe you have symptoms, contact your physician office by phone or email. Your physician will ask you questions about your symptoms and will tell you what to do.
If you have general questions about COVID-19, Henry Ford Health System has set up a hotline at 313-874-1055. This hotline hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
If you have urgent questions outside of these normal hours, contact the Henry Ford Health System nurse line at 313-874-7500.
For the latest information on COVID-19, click here.
Will HAP waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 tests and test-related visits?
HAP will waive member cost-sharing for COVID-19 diagnostic tests and test-related visits, including virtual/telehealth visits, during the public health emergency according to state and federal guidelines. This cost-sharing waiver applies to testing from in-network or out-of-network providers.
Member cost-sharing for all other diagnostic tests will continue to apply. Self-insured employer group customers control their own health benefits; employees of self-funded employer groups should confirm cost-sharing when seeking services.
What is the difference between a diagnostic test vs. an antibody test?
- A diagnostic test determines if a person has an active COVID-19 infection. Tests are generally considered accurate if given by a medical professional five to 10 days after initial exposure.
- An antibody test determines whether a person already had a COVID-19 infection. If so, the person may have some level of immunity. These tests are generally considered accurate if given by a medical professional seven or more days after COVID-19 symptoms begin. It’s important to note that the FDA has not authorized the use of antibody tests to diagnose COVID-19 infections and the CDC does not currently recommend using antibody testing as the sole basis for diagnosing a COVID infection. So if you think you may have COVID, you will want to get a diagnostic test to make sure.
Can anyone request to be tested for COVID-19 as a precaution, or do I need to be showing symptoms?
HAP will continue to follow the guidance and protocols issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state and local public health departments. Currently CDC recommends that if you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms that may need testing, call your physician. The CDC recommends that physicians use their judgment to determine if a patient has signs and symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and whether the patient should be tested. Most patients with confirmed COVID-19 have developed fever and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., cough, difficulty breathing). Physicians are strongly encouraged to test for other causes of respiratory illness, including infections such as influenza.
Here are the criteria the CDC is encouraging health care providers to use in determining whether to test someone for COVID-19. Anyone who has:
- Fever or signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (like cough or shortness of breath) AND has come in close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient within 14 days of symptom onset.
- Fever and signs/symptoms of a lower respiratory illness (like cough or shortness of breath) requiring hospitalization AND a history of travel from affected geographic areas within 14 days of symptom onset.
- No identified source of exposure to COVID-19 but is experiencing fever with severe acute lower respiratory illness like pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that requires hospitalization AND is without an alternative diagnosis to explain those symptoms (like regular flu or other respiratory infection).
Testing criteria for COVID-19 has been expanded in Michigan to include individuals with mild symptoms as well as essential workers who still report to work in person, whether they have symptoms or not. Please call the testing site or your health care provider before you go for testing. The criteria for determining whether you are an essential worker can be found on the State of Michigan website here.
If I become infected with COVID-19, is treatment covered by HAP?
Yes, treatment for COVID-19 is a covered benefit. HAP will waive member cost-sharing (which includes deductibles, copays and co-insurance) for treatment related to an acute diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. This cost-sharing waiver is for inpatient or outpatient treatment from an in-network provider and is currently in effect for services rendered through September 30, 2021. Beginning Oct. 1, 2021, coverage for the treatment of COVID-19 will return to the standard benefit. HAP does not waive cost sharing for treatment of ongoing complications stemming from a previous COVID-19 diagnosis.
Is antibody testing covered by HAP?
HAP will waive member cost-sharing for the COVID-19 antibody test during the public health emergency as long as the test is FDA approved and is ordered by a qualified health professional who has determined that the test is medically appropriate for the individual according to CDC recommendations.
Is rapid testing covered by HAP?
HAP will waive member cost-sharing for a rapid COVID-19 test during the public health emergency as long as the test is FDA approved and is ordered by a qualified health professional who has determined that the test is medically appropriate for the individual according to CDC recommendations.
Can I get the a COVID-19 diagnostic test at an urgent care center?
HAP will waive member cost-sharing for diagnostic COVID-19 tests performed at an urgent care setting if the test is FDA approved and is ordered by a qualified health professional who has determined that the test is medically appropriate for the individual according to CDC recommendations. Note: Some urgent care locations require payment for the COVID-19 test in advance. Please contact HAP Customer Service for additional information.
Does HAP cover COVID-19 tests at drive-through sites?
HAP will waive member cost-sharing for diagnostic COVID-19 test performed at a drive-through setting, if the test is FDA approved and is ordered by a qualified health professional who has determined that the test is medically appropriate for the individual according to CDC recommendations. Note: Many drive-through locations require payment for the COVID-19 test in advance. Please contact HAP Customer Service for additional information.
Does HAP cover at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests?
HAP will waive member cost-sharing for at-home COVID-19 diagnostic tests during the public health emergency if the test is FDA approved and is ordered by a qualified health professional who has determined that the test is medically appropriate for the individual according to CDC recommendations. The accuracy of at-home testing is still uncertain and these are not widely available.
Does HAP cover employer-required testing?
Testing required by employers, such as tests necessary to allow employees to return to work, is not a covered benefit. The employer and/or member is responsible for the cost of these tests
How can I find a COVID-19 testing location and confirm that the antibody test is available there?
The State of Michigan website includes a link to current testing sites. Please call the testing site or your health care provider before you go for testing and verify that your medically necessary test is available at that site. The list of testing sites can be found here.
What should I do if I receive a bill?
If you receive a bill for member cost-sharing that you believe should have been waived, please contact HAP customer service using the phone number on the back of your ID card. Due to the changing nature of the pandemic, we’ve experienced inconsistencies in billing for COVID-19 related services so we’re happy to investigate any charges you feel you’ve received in error.
What should I do if I receive a call, text or email indicating I'm not covered for COVID-19?
HAP is here for our members. If you receive a call, text or email indicating you’re not covered for a test or treatment you believe should be covered, call your trusted agent or HAP customer service at 800-422-4641. Our team is here for you and will answer any questions you have regarding your coverage, including coronavirus coverage.
Does HAP cover COVID-19 testing for screening or surveillance purposes?
COVID-19 testing conducted to test for general workplace safety or public health surveillance, or for any purpose not primarily intended for the individualized diagnosis or treatment of COVID-19 or another health condition is not a covered benefit. This includes (but is not limited to) screenings for:
- Sports participation
- Workplace, occupational or return-to-work testing
- Admission or visitation screening for educational or religious institutions, or dorms, residential or nursing facilities, etc.
- Travel or vacation
- Disability or insurance reasons
- Routine physical or check-up evaluations
- Testing that has not been ordered by a qualified health care provider
- Testing that is not used to direct the member’s health care
Does HAP cover oral antivirals Paxlovid and Molnupiravir for COVID-19?
In December 2021, the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for oral COVID-19 antivirals, Paxlovid and Monupiravir. The EUA was specific to outpatient treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 for persons at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. HAP supports access to these highly effective treatments. Therefore, there is no member copay or cost share and there is no prior authorization criteria.
Due to limited supply, the State of Michigan has created a narrow prioritization framework for eligibility, but it is anticipated that eligibility will broaden as supply increases. Below is important information that HAP has shared with its health care providers regarding these medications.
Prescriber Requirements
Due to limited availability of these medications, health care professionals who prescribe these antivirals must meet the requirements below to ensure persons at highest risk have access to these medications. As quantities of medication increase, prescribing requirements are likely to change to increase access for more patient populations.
- Provide a Public Fact Sheet prior to prescribing. It can be found here.
- Determine the closest confirmed availability of the product prior to prescribing
- Fax the State’s authorized form or electronic prescription (no telephone orders)
- Specify high-risk condition that meets priority eligibility criteria and date of symptom onset
Exclusions
Oral COVID antivirals are not for:
- Initiation of treatment in patients requiring hospitalization due to severe or critical COVID-19
- Preventing someone from getting COVID-19, whether they have or have not been exposed
- Use longer than five consecutive days
Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
Treatment with Sotrovimab (mAb) continues to be an important therapy for mild to moderate COVID-19 infection. It’s preferred over treatment with molnupiravir whenever it can be readily accessed. Based on current evidence, mAb therapy is also a comparable alternative to Paxlovid for patients who:
- Do not have access to the oral medication
- Have another reason or condition that prevents them from taking the medication (e.g., pregnancy)
- Are beyond five days (but within 10 days) of symptom onset
Treatment with mAb should be considered for patients who are in eligible lower-risk tiers.
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