COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Yes, we cover COVID-19 home testing kits that are available over the counter. To avoid paying any out-of-pocket costs, you must go to an in-network retail pharmacy, take the testing kit to the pharmacy counter and provide your Service Benefit Plan member ID card to the pharmacist and/or pharmacy technician.

If you purchase a COVID-19 testing kit from another retailer (including online retailers) or an out-of-network pharmacy, you can get reimbursed for the purchase of those tests. You will need to complete the Health Benefits Claim Form and mail it to your local BCBS company, along with your receipts for each test that was purchased. You can find the claim form at fepblue.org/claim-forms. We need an itemized receipt that clearly shows that your purchase was for a COVID-19 test. If you do not have an itemized receipt, you must send us the barcode (UPC code) from your test(s) packaging.

Please note: some pharmacies may not be able to process claims for OTC COVID-19 tests at the pharmacy counter. If this happens, you can pay for the test and then submit a claim for reimbursement following the steps outlined above.

FEP will cover up to eight (8) over-the-counter tests for each covered family member, every calendar month.

You can purchase over-the-counter COVID-19 tests that are FDA-authorized. The cost of a typical single test is $12 and the cost of two tests is around $24. By signing or submitting a claim form you agree to not use these tests for employment purposes.

You can purchase these tests at any location where the OTC tests are available such as online, or from a pharmacy or store.

Order your tests online at cvs.com or the CVS Pharmacy mobile app for store pickup¹ and you’ll pay no out-of-pocket cost. You’ll need to create a CVS account if you don’t already have one. Click on At-home COVID-19 tests, then select Request At-home tests. Answer “No” to the Medicare/Medicaid question (Medicare does not currently cover OTC COVID-19 tests), enter your ZIP Code, and select a pharmacy. Then, enter all requested information from your health insurance card including your member ID, RxIIN (BIN) and RxPCN to place your online order.

You can go to any other in-network retail pharmacy and purchase the test kits at the pharmacy counter². Provide your member ID card to the pharmacist and you’ll pay no out-of-pocket cost.

You can also contact your local health department for locations in your area that provide over-the-counter tests in your area at no cost. In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has provided a list of community-based testing sites which can be found here. COVID-19 tests are also available without cost-sharing to covered individuals when administered by a health care provider such as a nurse, doctor, or pharmacist, without limitation.

¹Orders not picked up within 72 hours (about 3 days) will be cancelled. Pickup cannot happen via drive through and tests will not be shipped.

²Some pharmacies may not be able to process claims for OTC tests at the pharmacy counter. If this happens, you can pay for the test and then submit a claim for reimbursement. 

No, you do not need a prescription or a note from your provider to purchase these tests.

We will reimburse up to eight (8) over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for each family member covered on your policy every calendar month.

Yes, we will reimburse up to eight (8) over-the-counter tests for each covered family member, every calendar month.

Yes, and we will only reimburse up to eight (8) over-the-counter tests for each covered family member, every calendar month.

Complete the Health Benefits Claim Form and include an itemized receipt that clearly shows that your purchase was for a COVID-19 test. If you do not have an itemized receipt, you must send us the barcode (UPC code) from your test(s) packaging. Mail the form to your local BCBS company, along with your receipts for each test that was purchased. You can find the claim form at fepblue.org/claim-forms.

No, you can submit a claim form with multiple receipts. You must submit a separate claim for each covered family member. Complete the Health Benefits Claim Form and mail it to your local BCBS company, along with your receipts for each test that was purchased. You can find the claim form at fepblue.org/claim-forms.

You can find the mailing address for your local BCBS company at fepblue.org/contact-us. Scroll down to the map of the United States and click the state where you live to find your local BCBS company’s contact information. If you have questions about locating your local BCBS company, please contact the phone number on the back of your member ID card.

No, currently members are unable to submit a request for reimbursement online.

We will mail a check to the Contract Holder for the amount on the submitted claim form after we have processed the claim.

The check is payable to the Contract Holder for the amount on the submitted claim form after we have processed the claim.

Members can view finalized claims through the fepblue App or the MyBlue portal when logged in with your MyBlue ID. Unfortunately, members cannot view claims that are “in process.”

Once your local BCBS company receives your member claim form and receipts, they will process your claim generally within 30 calendar days from the time of receipt. Once your claim has been processed, a check and explanation of benefits will be mailed to the contract holder.

Yes, you can get reimbursed if you use your MyBlue Wellness Card to purchase over-the-counter COVID-19 tests. Please use the process discussed above to file a claim for reimbursement.

During this time, the Federal Employees Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) can help those in need. FEEA is prioritizing no-fee, no-interest hardship loans to serve federal employees. To learn more about this program or apply, click here.

Think twice before you give your information over the phone. Scammers have been claiming to be part of COVID-19 response efforts to try to steal members’ information. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the number on the back of your member ID card to verify. You can learn more about healthcare fraud here.

The COVID-19 and Mental Wellness resources are available free of charge, to help you manage stressors brought on by COVID-19. The offering includes:

• Strategies to manage heightened stress
• Tips for parenting during challenging times
• Ideas to manage social isolation
• Other information for emotional support

Yes, you will have access to myStrength through December 31, 2023.

To register, visit: https://bh.mystrength.com/fepcovid19

You will need to fill out the submission form in order to create an account and sign up.

NOTE: This online resource is secure.

Registration requires your first name, last name, member ID number, email address, password, ZIP code, birthdate, and gender.

If you have questions about this COVID-19 and Mental Wellness resource, you can email membersupport@livongo.com.

Visit fepblue.org/telehealth or download the Teladoc app to schedule your appointment. If you need assistance with setting up a new Teladoc account, you may call 855-636-1579.

When it’s time for your appointment, you can join your video session from the Teladoc app or fepblue.org/telehealth. If you arranged a phone visit, the specialist will call you.

Depending on your availability as well as your selected Teladoc provider’s, a session may be conducted within 72 hours. Appointments are available seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time.

The best general sources for information on the COVID-19 vaccine(s) are the websites for the Food and Drug Administration or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These sites are continuously updated as new information becomes available.

The federal government provides general information and recommendations with regard to COVID-19, but each state and U.S. territory determines local guidelines and related responses. Please visit the appropriate website for your local health department or go here for more information.

Please contact your local Blue Cross Blue Shield company at the customer service phone number listed on the back of your member identification card. You can also find your local customer service number here or via our fepblue mobile app.

There will be no cost for FEP members for vaccines given by Preferred providers. The federal government is purchasing the vaccine doses at no cost to the American people. A vaccination provider may charge a fee to administer the shot(s). The Blue Cross Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program (FEP), will cover the administration cost at 100%.

No. FEP will cover FDA-authorized COVID-19 booster shots received at a Preferred provider.

Yes. The FDA has authorized and the CDC has endorsed allowing eligible individuals to receive any one of the three vaccines as a booster which may be different from the vaccine you originally received. Talk to your doctor to determine the best approach for your booster shot.

Yes. FEP will cover FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines given by a Preferred provider for children 6 months of age and older.

Yes. FEP will cover FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines given by a Preferred provider for children 6 months through 17 years of age.

The Pfizer vaccine is given at a lower dose for children 6 months through 4 years of age and children ages 5 through 11 than what is used for adolescents 12 years and older and adults. Talk to your child’s doctor to determine the most appropriate vaccine shot for your child.

It is our understanding that distribution and allocation of the vaccines will be a public health matter, handled primarily if not exclusively by government authorities. However, we will continue to monitor other countries’ approval and distribution of the vaccines and will provide additional updates as needed.

The National Health Service (NHS) is administering all COVID-19 vaccinations within the UK and determining who receives the vaccine and when.