Your frequently asked questions about COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Last updated on 5/27/20
Have a question about COVID-19? We’re here to help.
Does Independence cover testing for COVID-19?
Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is committed to ensuring that our members have access to the care they need, at the right time, and in the right setting. As COVID-19 has escalated into a serious global health threat,…
- Published in Company News, Featured, Health News, News Briefs
Independence Blue Cross stays connected with seniors during COVID-19 pandemic through “Calls of Kindness”
Employee volunteers have made calls to more than 2,000 Medicare members
Philadelphia — May 26, 2020 —Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is staying closely connected to Medicare members – its most at-risk population – through a new initiative called “Calls of Kindness.” The initiative involves Independence employee volunteers making proactive check-in calls to Medicare members….
- Published in Community Initiatives, Company News, Featured
BCBSA Report: 75 percent of Americans with Behavioral Health Conditions are Continuing Therapy Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic
New survey data from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) shows that 75 percent of Americans with behavioral health conditions are continuing therapy services during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the prevalence of telehealth and other digital health services. Further, while 42 percent of people reported delaying a health care appointment due to the pandemic,…
- Published in Health News, Health of America, Health Plans & Services
VIDEO: Stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19
Independence Blue Cross (Independence) leadership stands in strong support of public officials and health experts as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re committed to communicating to members, customers, and the community the importance of taking steps to safeguard our health. That’s why we launched a multi-media public service campaign, underscoring the message: We’re in this together….
- Published in Health News
Independence Blue Cross joins Blue plans across the country to address COVID-19 pandemic
Philadelphia, PA — April 24, 2020 — Independence Blue Cross’s (Independence) extensive efforts to assist members, hospitals and health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic are included in an announcement by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) this week summarizing the collective work of BCBSA’s 36 independent and locally-operated plans across the United States. BCBSA reports that companies in the Association have committed a total of nearly $3 billion to date to aid in the ongoing fight against COVID-19….
- Published in Company News, Press Releases
Independence Expands Suspension of Prior Authorization Beyond COVID-19 Diagnoses
Change will help streamline placement of patients to the most appropriate care settings
Philadelphia, PA — April 22, 2020 — In an effort to assist physicians and health care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) today announced that it is expanding its temporary suspension of prior authorization for acute in-network inpatient admissions from the emergency department to include all diagnoses (including COVID-19) and for in-network transfers and transportation between facilities….
- Published in Company News, Doctors & Hospitals
VIDEO: Overcoming COVID-19 requires great cooperation
Independence Blue Cross (Independence) leadership stands in strong support of public officials and health experts as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re committed to communicating to members, customers, and the community the importance of taking steps to safeguard our health. That’s why we launched a multi-media public service campaign, underscoring the message: We’re in this together….
- Published in Community Initiatives, Company News, Health News
Independence CEO Daniel Hilferty appears on special MSNBC Morning Joe show ‘Isolation Nation’ about COVID-19 pandemic
Independence Health Group CEO Daniel J. Hilferty joined co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski today on a special edition of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” about the COVID-19 pandemic. The hour-long show, Isolation Nation, included a panel discussion with Hilferty and several prominent medical experts.
Hilferty talked about health insurance options for people who may be struggling to pay their premiums or who have recently lost their jobs….
- Published in Company News, Media Coverage, News Briefs
Independence Blue Cross Offers Quil COVID-19 Preparedness Tool to Members
Digital resource helps members navigate and adjust to new work/life balance realities
Philadelphia, PA — April 9, 2020 — During these uncertain times, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest health advice and to maintain a sense of normalcy. To help its members navigate some of the challenges they may be facing during the COVID-19 outbreak,…
- Published in Company News, Featured, Health Plans & Services
Independence waives cost-sharing for COVID-19 inpatient treatment
Independence also suspends prior authorizations for acute inpatient admissions and post-acute transfers
Philadelphia, PA — April 3, 2020 — Independence Blue Cross (Independence) today announced that it would waive member cost-sharing for in-network, inpatient, acute care treatment for COVID-19. This means members will pay no co-pay, co-insurance or deductible in this scenario. (Please note that for Medicare Advantage members,…
- Published in Company News, Coverage, Featured, Press Releases