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,...
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Independence Blue Cross stays connected with seniors during COVID-19 pandemic through “Calls of Kindness”

woman working from home in the company of her puppy making 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....
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Independence Blue Cross announces winners of Celebrate Caring campaign to recognize outstanding nurses

from l-r top row: Kemberly Giron, Felix Jones, Andrea Kirsch, bottom l-r: Stacey Lang, Jeff Salvatore

Over 1,100 nominations were submitted in the second year of the popular campaign

Philadelphia, PA — May 6, 2020 — Independence Blue Cross (Independence) kicks off National Nurses Week, May 6-12, with the announcement of its 2020 Celebrate Caring winners and honorees. Celebrate Caring recognizes outstanding nurses in the Greater Philadelphia region. The nurses being recognized were chosen from over 1,100 nominations submitted by co-workers,...
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City and Independence Blue Cross Launch #MindPHL Together Campaign

Let's be #mindPHL together in light blue text on a process blue background
PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney announced today the launch of a new public awareness campaign in May which builds on national Mental Health Awareness Month. The #MindPHL Together campaign, sponsored by the City of Philadelphia and Independence Blue Cross, aims to: Bring an improved community understanding of mental health and well-being; Reduce the stigma associated with needing mental health support;...
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Independence provides members access to emotional wellness app at no cost

Award-winning resource helps users build the emotional strength to handle whatever comes their way

Philadelphia, PA — April 14, 2020 —  At this stressful time, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is offering members access to an award-winning emotional wellness app, Stop, Breathe & Think, at no cost until June 14, 2020. The app provides effective ways to alleviate feelings of anxiety,...
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Independence Blue Cross Offers Quil COVID-19 Preparedness Tool to Members

Quil COVID-19 tool demoed on different screen environments

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,...
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Independence waives cost-sharing for COVID-19 inpatient treatment

COVID-19 Update written in white on a blue background with a blue Independence Blue Cross logo on a white background at the bottom

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,...
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Independence launches dedicated COVID-19 website for members

The new ibx.com/covid-19 offers comprehensive information and resources on coronavirus

Philadelphia, PA — March 23, 2020 — Since January, Independence Blue Cross has been providing information and education to members about the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak via its Newsroom. Now, Independence announces a new, comprehensive website dedicated to COVID-19 information and resources at ibx.com/covid-19. Independence members can visit ibx.com/covid-19 for information related to: Symptoms and testing: The site includes information about testing locations throughout the region....
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Independence expands telemedicine coverage during COVID-19 outbreak

Changes encourage social distancing and increase access to care

Philadelphia, PA — March 20, 2020 — Independence Blue Cross (Independence) announced today that it is expanding its coverage of telemedicine services. The change is one of many efforts to encourage social distancing and increase access to care. Independence announced on March 6 that it would waive copays for telemedicine services for eligible members through June 4,...
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Independence joins new funding initiative for area nonprofits to help vulnerable populations affected by COVID-19

IBX CEO Dan Hilferty stands behind the podium at the COVID-19 Fund announcement at City Hall. A female American Sign Language interpreter stands to his right
Philadelphia, PA — March 20, 2020 — Independence Blue Cross (Independence) CEO Daniel J. Hilferty participated in the City of Philadelphia’s COVID-19 Update press event at City Hall to announce the organization’s support for the new PHL COVID-19 Fund. The Fund will provide grants to Greater Philadelphia nonprofit organizations that serve vulnerable populations such as the elderly,...
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