General News
Published March 10, 2020
Information to share with your clients who have questions about COVID-19.
The employees of LifeWise Health Plan of Washington are here to support producers, members, and healthcare providers in their drive to keep our communities safe during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Current indications are that COVID-19 symptoms are similar to flu symptoms which may then progress to cause shortness of breath. Treatment of COVID-19 is covered under your client’s regular health plan benefits. Emergency coverage is also covered at certain limits, depending on their plan. We will continue to monitor the situation, including any new preventive tools or treatment options and apply coverage as recommended.
If a member has concerns about COVID-19, we recommend them making a call to their primary care doctor, or any of the following:
- The free 24-Hour NurseLine (number located on the back of member ID cards).
- Teladoc Health for a virtual care visit by phone or video chat.
- The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address public questions at 800-525-0127.
If a member must go to the doctor’s office, encourage them to call ahead to make arrangements so they can avoid a possible spread of the virus. If they’re traveling soon, they can visit the CDC website for the latest travel precaution recommendations.
LifeWise corporate approach
Within our own operations, we are following the recommended precautions of the state departments of health in Washington and Alaska, as well as the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Our corporate guidelines include:
- Encouraging employees to regularly wash their hands and follow other hygiene precautions
- Encouraging employees to stay home if they are not feeling well
- Restricting business travel unless exceptional situations arise
- Postponing large, in-person employee meetings or training sessions
- Increasing the use of remote collaboration tools to reduce in-person meetings
- Our Western Washington offices have closed to help prevent the spread of the virus. Our employees remain committed to serving you and remain available to help you.