NYCDCC Welfare Fund Update Regarding Cost Share Waivers for Testing and Related Coverage for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

March 19, 2020

Since the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic first began to surface, the NYCDCC Welfare Fund has been providing you information concerning how your providers (Empire BlueCross BlueShield for active participants/dependents and UnitedHealthcare for Medicare-Eligible Retirees) would cover COVID-19 related visits, testing, and other associated costs. We are now pleased to announce that we have further updates to COVID-19 related coverage that are beneficial to you and your families in this time of need.

Testing and Care Benefits
The NYCDCC Welfare Fund has officially waived all member cost share, including co-payments, co-insurance, and deductibles, for diagnostic testing related to COVID-19, as well as for the in-network visit associated with COVID-19 testing, whether it takes place at a doctor’s office, urgent care center, or hospital. If an in-network provider is not available, your provider will work with you to make sure you are covered.

Telehealth
The NYCDCC Welfare Fund has officially waived the $10 co-payment associated with a telehealth visit through LiveHealth Online. This waiver will last for a period of 90 days (June 14, 2020) so that you and your dependents can keep yourselves safe from infection during times of required isolation.

The Fund Office will continue to update you regarding your COVID-19 related coverage as more information becomes available. If you have questions concerning the process by which you can be tested for the COVID-19, or your coverage related to COVID-19, please contact Empire BlueCross BlueShield at (844) 416-6387 or UnitedHealthcare at (888) 736-7441.

*Please note that similar coverage waivers will apply to Medicare-Eligible Retirees covered under UnitedHealthcare. However, telehealth service utilization may differ. Please contact UnitedHealthcare directly for more information.