Everything you need to know about your SEGIP insurance and COVID-19

This bulletin was sent at 03/20/2020 02:33 PM CDT

SEGIP Newsletter

We got you covered

We care about your health. During the uncertain times of COVID-19 we remain committed to providing benefits and resources for you and your family. We'll continue to share more information and resources as they are available.

Read on for helpful information that can support your health and wellbeing right now.

Tips for accessing health care and prescriptions

Early refills for prescriptions. You can now fill your routine prescriptions up to 30 days ahead of the normal refill date during the COVID-19 pandemic. This helps you minimize trips to the pharmacy and keep the medications you need readily available. Please note, a new prescription is needed for early refills of controlled substances.

Updated testing criteria for COVID-19: stay home or call before going in. Due to national testing shortages, there's new criteria for COVID-19 testing as of March 18. If you or a family member have symptoms, but are not severely ill, stay home and recover. If you're older or have underlying medical conditions, call your primary care clinic to it see if they have any
additional guidance. If symptoms get worse and you need to go see a doctor, call before going in to help your health care team prepare.

Use COVID-19 screening options from home. Use online care to evaluate your symptoms and risks. You can also discuss concerns with your health care provider and make a treatment plan. Advantage Plan members receive free visits for online care when using their health plan administrator’s designated vendor.
- BlueCross BlueShield members: use Doctors on Demand or virtuwell
- HealthPartners members: use Doctors on Demand or virtuwell
- PreferredOne members: use MDLive or virtuwell

Need care not related to COVID-19? Use free online care and convenience clinics for common illnesses. Advantage Plan members receive free access to convenience clinics and online care. These resources can help provide treatments for common illnesses, such as colds, pink eye, and bladder infections. Use these no-cost alternatives for common illnesses instead of doctors' offices or urgent care centers. Contact your health plan administrator to find in-network convenience clinics or use their designated vendor for online care.

Important contact information

Our Insurance Team is available to support you with any questions you have about your benefits. As we use social distancing, please take into consideration the following:

Emailing document. To receive faster service please email time sensitive forms instead of mailing them. Send them to our secure email address: segip.mmb@state.mn.us. Submitting a photo of a form or document from your mobile device is acceptable.

Delayed response times. Due to the high volume of calls we are receiving, call back times may be delayed. We will return your call within two business days.

When to call your health plan administrator. Contact your health plan administrator if you have questions about your care or where you should receive care.

Other resources to support you

Amid all of the uncertainty, it’s important to make time to take care of yourself. Stress and change can affect your health in many different ways. Please be aware of these resources that can help support your overall health and well-being.

Employee Assistance Program. All state employees and immediate family members can receive free, confidential services for your personal or professional life, from counseling to consultation on financial or legal matters. This includes five free counseling sessions a year per topic. Access these services anytime at 1-800-657-3719 or online using the password stmn1.

Wellbeing program. COVID-19 can cause feelings of stress and anxiety. Our wellbeing program offers some resources that can help you cope, including an activity that can help you practice mindfulness. Start this activity by logging into Virgin Pulse and use the Whil program.

More resources and information. We're updating the SEGIP website as more information becomes available. Stay informed about other COVID-19 news from trusted sources, including the Minnesota Department of Health and Center for Disease Control. Additional information to help you prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies is available at mn.gov/bereadymn.

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