COVID-19 FAQ

Trusted sources for the most up-to-date information about COVID are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the health department in your state.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Washington State Department of Health

If you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, it’s best to call your doctor or urgent care center instead of going in person. That way they can set up a safe space for when you arrive. If your doctor believes you need to be tested, there is no pre-authorization required. Diagnostic testing and the associated office visit will be covered at 100%. We will cover one antibody test per year per member at no cost to members if it is ordered by the member’s attending provider and part of appropriate medical care. Office visits associated with antibody testing are covered at regular plan benefits.

If you’re not experiencing flu-like symptoms, the best thing you can do is to keep practicing healthy habits like regular hand washing, covering your mouth when sneezing and coughing, etc. People who are feeling healthy do not need to get tested for COVID-19.

Symptoms reported in patients with COVID-19 include mild to severe fever, cough, difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms may occur 2-14 days after exposure to COVID-19. For the latest information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website.

If you have symptoms like those listed above, limit your exposure to others and call your doctor or urgent care. If you need help finding a doctor or urgent care center, call the number on the back of your Asuris member ID card.

There is no vaccine currently available.

There is no specific treatment for COVID-19. However, many of the symptoms can be treated. Treatment of those symptoms would depend on the patient.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

• The CDC now recommends the use of cloth face coverings in public settings where it’s difficult to maintain social distancing. Follow CDC recommendations for use and washing of face masks.
• It’s important to continue social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding close contact with those who are sick, in addition to wearing a facemask in public.
• Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

The CDC has the most relevant and up-to-date resources for people who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19.

Asuris is working with our network providers, care managers and customer service professionals to ensure they have the latest information about the virus and can support our members who have questions or concerns. We are covering the cost of COVID-19 diagnostic testing, the associated office visit and COVID-19 treatment—including inpatient medications—at no cost share for our fully insured and Medicare members. Outpatient medications treating COVID-19 will be covered at the normal member cost share. One antibody test per year is covered if it was ordered by a physician and meets coverage criteria. We are working with our self-funded groups to implement similar cost-share arrangements when directed. For medications that treat chronic conditions, members may also request a 90-day refill. Our employees remain highly focused on planning and readiness to ensure we are here to support members and customers. This includes reaching out to provide personalized support as we learn of members diagnosed with the virus.