With confirmed COVID-19 cases in our community, Albemarle County Human Resources (HR) wants you to be aware of services available to you and recent changes to out of pocket costs on our medical plan. Inside Albemarle’s COVID-19 site provides important and up-to-date information to help you stay informed about topics related to COVID-19 and how they may impact you, including policies, procedures, benefits, and more.
Please bookmark this site for easy reference to resources like:
If you participate in the Albemarle County Anthem medical plan:
COVID-19 Testing: If you need to be tested for COVID-19, you will pay $0 for copays, coinsurance and deductibles for visits associated with in-network COVID-19 testing (including the test itself), whether the care is received in a physician’s office, an urgent care center, or an emergency department. This applies to both of our medical plan options (Albemarle Choice and Albemarle Select).
Medication: To help you prepare for changing conditions, Anthem is relaxing early prescription refill limits for members who wish to receive a 30-day supply of most maintenance medications, where permissible.
Have you tried Anthem’s home delivery pharmacy option? Many prescriptions can be ordered online via IngenioRx, Anthem’s pharmacy manager. When you use this mail order service, IngenioRx will send you three months of your medications at one time, shipped to you directly. You don’t even have to pay for postage! Log in to your Anthem.com account to see if you can convert from retail to mail order. The 90-day fill option is also available at select retail pharmacies if you prefer to fill in-person. If you have questions, or need assistance, please call the Pharmacy Member Services number on the back of your Anthem ID card for guidance.
Alternatives to In-Person Provider Visits: During this time, you may wish to avoid provider offices whenever possible. Consider LiveHealth Online, our tele-health option. LiveHealth Online is a service that connects you to a doctor through a live video chat on your phone, tablet or computer. LiveHealth Online providers are trained to screen for COVID-19 and make recommendations for care, but you can also consult with a provider about any medical issue impacting you or your family, including specialists in allergies, psychology and psychiatry. Providers can even call in prescriptions to your preferred pharmacy. It’s safe, convenient, and medical consultations are available 24/7.
About Cost:
- With our Albemarle Choice Plan (high deductible plan), you’ll pay the posted rate that’s based on the type of visit. Please note: Tax law governs the types of services that can be set at $0 cost on high deductible health plans. There may be updates to these rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic; we will share any updates as we receive them.
- With our Albemarle Select Plan (traditional plan option), you’ll pay $0 for LiveHealth Online, regardless of which provider type you use.
Benefits Available to All Employees
GuidanceResources: GuidanceResources, our Employee Assistance Plan provider, gives you direct, 24/7 access to a GuidanceConsultant℠ who will answer your questions and, if needed, refer you to a counselor or other resources. To learn more, call 833-306-0108 or visit the GuidanceResources website. There is a wide range of information available to our employees.
GuidanceResources (ComPsych) also has developed a Coronavirus Resources website with tools to stay healthy and deal with the emotional impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.