VHP's healthcare recommendations and prescription refill policy.
The Santa Clara County Public Health
Department continues to update us about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in
our community. As the number of cases in the County of Santa Clara continues to
rise and the continuation of the “shelter in place” order, it is
natural to have questions about what you should do to keep yourself and your
loved ones safe. Your friends at VHP are here to help.
New Prescription Refill Guidance as of
March 30, 2020
VHP has updated our prescription refill policy to ensure
that our members continue to have access to needed medications. Effective April
1, VHP will allow overrides on any regular medication refills for
non-controlled substance mediations with less than a 35-day supply, even
if outside your normal refill schedule. If you would like your prescriptions
mailed to you, please check with your pharmacy for their mail options. If your
pharmacy does not have a mail option, please use VHP’s Mail Order
Pharmacy Program.
If you are concerned about running out of medication, ask
your pharmacy to contact Navitus at 1.866.333.2757 (toll-free).
Screening and Testing for the
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
VHP has informed its provider to not
charge our Members cost sharing, including co-pays, deductibles and
co-insurance for all medically necessary screening and testing for Coronavirus
(COVID-19). This applies to costs associated with office and telehealth visits,
associated lab tests and radiology services at contracted hospitals, emergency
rooms, urgent care centers or other provider locations where the purpose of the
visit is to be screened and/or tested for Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Social Distancing
The World Health Organization (WHO)
recommends that all people use “social distancing” to help reduce the spread of
the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Simply explained, social distancing, means that you
should increase the physical space between you and other people whenever
possible. This includes only going to see the doctor in person if you have been
told by a medical professional that you need to be screened or tested or have
an emergency medical need.
Telehealth
VHP encourages all Members to use our
available telehealth benefits before going to a doctor’s office, urgent care or
emergency center. Covered California, Individual & Family
Plan Members and Employer Group Members can use their MDLIVE benefit. MDLIVE
allows you to see a doctor from your home through your phone or personal
computer, therefore reducing the risk of transmitting or getting the virus. If
you have not activated your MDLIVE account, visit
www.mdlive.com/vhp,
call 1.888.467.4614, or text “VHP” to 635483
to get started.
All Members can use VHP’s 24/7 Nurse
Advice Line to seek advice on whether you should make an appointment with your
doctor.
24/7
Nurse Advice Lines for VHP Members:
Employer Group: 1.866.682.9492 (toll-free)
Covered California and Individual &
Family Plan: 1.855.348.9119
(toll-free)
Medi-Cal Managed Care: 1.877.509.0294
(toll-free)
Additional Information
The County’s Public Health Department has
shared new information to help protect our family, friends, and neighbors:
www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/DiseaseInformation/novel-coronavirus/Pages/home.aspx.
Here are some of the important tips from the Public Health Department:
How can I best protect myself from
getting the novel coronavirus virus?
- Frequently wash your hands with soap or
use hand sanitizers.
- Avoid touching your face, particularly
your eyes, nose, and mouth because one way viruses spread is when you
touch your own mouth, nose or eyes.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue, sleeve, or
arm. Do not use your hands.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces such as
phones, tablets, light switches, countertops and doorknobs.
- Keep away from others who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
What are the symptoms of the novel
coronavirus?
Symptoms include fever, fatigue,
cough, and aches. The illness can progress to shortness of breath and
complications from pneumonia. Symptoms may also include nausea with vomiting
and diarrhea. Some infected patients experience only mild symptoms while others
– particularly older individuals and those with underlying health conditions –
might develop more severe symptoms.
What should I do if I don't feel well?
- If you have a fever, go home immediately
and stay there until at least 24 hours after the fever goes away
naturally without the use of fever-reducing medicine. For example, if your
fever lasts for three days, you should stay home for at least four days.
- Do not attend or host any gatherings.
This is where cold, flu, and other respiratory viruses are often spread.
If you have
symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your doctor or the VHP
24/7 Nurse Advice Line for your Plan, or make an appointment with MDLIVE.
