COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Updates

Update as of January 18, 2022

The challenges of dealing with COVID-19 continues to present themselves to virtually everyone in the world.  As you encounter how to best deal with this threat, Alliant is making every attempt to find ways to help you navigate these treacherous waters. We understand that these times can be confusing and frustrating. We have diligently explored ways to be flexible within our given regulatory framework.  As this ongoing situation continues to change, and as we learn of new developments, we will notify our members. We appreciate your patience during this time, and we thank you for allowing Alliant Health Plans to serve you. Benefits listed below, excluding Telemedicine, will be effective through the end of the CMS state of emergency and members will be provided a 60-day notice of any change in benefits related to COVID-19.

Alliant Health Plans offers the following updates and reminders of its relief efforts:

COVID-19 At-Home Tests

In keeping with our efforts to deliver timely COVID-19 related coverage to our Members, Alliant has implemented several ways for Members to access At Home COVID-19 diagnostic tests.

Members can access At Home COVID-19 diagnostic tests that are approved under the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization at $0 cost share:

  • at their local pharmacy
  • to your home thru mail order
  • by paying up front for their test and receiving reimbursement from Alliant

Alliant Health Plans will reimburse Members for at-home COVID-19 tests purchased on or after January 15, 2022.

Please return to this page regularly for updates.

Additional Resource:  Free At Home Tests may be requested from the Federal Government’s website at COVIDtests.gov or you may call 800-232-0233. This option allows you to request At Home Test from the federal government. Alliant Health Plans is not affiliated with this program.

What you need to know:

Who is eligible?

All Alliant Members are eligible to receive up to eight (8), FDA-approved at-home COVID-19 tests per month. This means Subscribers and their dependents are eligible.

What tests are covered?

Please return to this page regularly for updates.

Tests Covered by Reimbursement 

You will receive reimbursement if you purchase a COVID-19 diagnostic on the FDA Approved list

Your test does not have to appear on the 2022 Precision Formulary list to be reimbursed.

Tests Covered at the Pharmacy

◦ Type in the search box, “covid-19 antigen immunoassay test” to see a list of tests.

◦ All the tests that have OTC Icon  next to the test name are covered at $0 cost share to Member.

ATTENTION!  As of 1/15/22, the CARESTART COVID19 AG HOME TEST and IHEALTH COVID-19 AG RAPID TEST have not had updated Average Wholesale Price (AWP) information released. AWP pricing is a critical component that allows medications and other supplies to be processed by a pharmacy. As a result, while these tests are covered, they are unable to be processed by the pharmacy at this time. Should you need to obtain one of these tests, please submit a form requesting reimbursement.

Are COVID-19 diagnostic tests covered at the Pharmacy?
Yes, you can receive a test from your local in-network Alliant pharmacy.

Before heading to the pharmacy:

  • Have your current Member ID card with you, in case your current one is not on file yet. Your pharmacy will need your current Member ID card so your COVID-19 diagnostic test is $0 cost share to you. Your pharmacy benefit will cover costs of the test.
  • For the latest list of COVID-19 diagnostic tests that are covered at $0 cost share, Members should check the 2022 Alliant Precision Formulary Look-Up Tool

◦ Type in the search box, “covid-19 antigen immunoassay test” to see a list of tests.
◦ All the tests that have OTC Icon next to the test name are covered at $0 cost share to Member.

ATTENTION!  As of 1/15/22, the CARESTART COVID19 AG HOME TEST and IHEALTH COVID-19 AG RAPID TEST have not had updated Average Wholesale Price (AWP) information released. AWP pricing is a critical component that allows medications and other supplies to be processed by a pharmacy. As a result, while these tests are covered, they are unable to be processed by the pharmacy at this time. Should you need to obtain one of these tests, please submit a form requesting reimbursement.

Can I get a COVID-19 test delivered by Mail Order?

Yes, you can obtain a COVID-19 At Home test 3 ways:

  • COVID-19 At Home tests that are covered on the 2022 Precision Formulary can be obtained through Magellan Rx’s Mail Order service. Please note, test may be limited based on current availability. Call Magellan mail-order facility at 800-424-8274.
  • Many in-network retail pharmacies also offer a mail order pharmacy option. Please refer directly to the retail pharmacy’s website for additional information on how to obtain an At Home COVID-19 test through their mail-order service so that it is processed through your pharmacy benefit at a $0 cost share to you.
  • Free At Home Tests may be requested at the Federal Government’s website COVIDtests.gov or you may call 800-232-0233. The Federal Government will mail At Home COVID-19 tests to your home. This program is not connected with Alliant Health Plans. Please call or visit the Federal Government’s website for information about how their program works.

 

ATTENTION!  As of 1/15/22, the CARESTART COVID19 AG HOME TEST and IHEALTH COVID-19 AG RAPID TEST have not had updated Average Wholesale Price (AWP) information released. AWP pricing is a critical component that allows medications and other supplies to be processed by a pharmacy. As a result, while these tests are covered, they are unable to be processed by the pharmacy at this time. Should you need to obtain one of these tests, please submit a form requesting reimbursement.

 

Can I get reimbursed for a test that I purchased?

Yes! Here’s what you need to request reimbursement from Alliant:

  • Each member must complete their own COVID-19 Test Reimbursement Form. Fill in the form completely, adding all your information into the provided fields. Remember, your reimbursement check will be mailed to the address provided in the form.
  • An itemized receipt
    • Showing proof of purchase on or after January 15, 2022.
    • Description of COVID-19 diagnostic test kit
    • Amount paid for each test that you purchased
    • Quantity of tests purchased

How Alliant’s reimbursement works:

  • Alliant will reimburse Members for At Home Tests purchased on or after January 15,
  • Each member must complete their own COVID-19 Test Reimbursement Form  and submit with an itemized receipt. Information required on the itemized     receipt is listed above.
  • Each member can be reimbursed for up to eight (8) FDA-approved at-home COVID-19 tests per month.
  • Alliant will reimburse you for the actual cost of the test, up to $12 per test.
  • Alliant covers At-home OTC COVID-19 antigen tests that authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Emergency Use Authorization.  For reimbursement purposes, Alliant will cover any test that meets this, even if it is not listed on the 2022 Precision Formulary.
    What if I submitted a reimbursement form to Magellan Rx?

    If you have already completed the Magellan Prescription Drug Claim Form and submitted it to Magellan Rx, you may check the status of your reimbursement request by calling Alliant’s Customer Service at 866-403-2785.  

    COVID-19 Testing: Alliant health Plans generally does not cover COVID-19 diagnostic, antigen, or antibody tests which are done at the direction of the member’s employer in order to obtain or maintain employment or to perform a member’s normal work functions, or for return to school or recreation activities, or for travel purposes. Click here for more information on the testing exclusion.

    COVID-19 Vaccine: The vaccine will be covered at no member cost-share.

    Telehealth/medicine: Alliant has expanded and relaxed the rules regarding this form of access to providers. Not all providers offer this service, but many are adopting this method in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and encouragement of CMS.  There will be no member cost-share, excluding HDHP members, related to in-network telehealth/medicine at this time. Cost share applies to HDHP members. Out-of-network member costs are subject to the cost-share provisions of the benefit plan. 

    24-hour Nurse Line: Although COVID-19 related issues will be top-of-mind, members face anxiety, uncertainty, and if forced to remain at home, isolation and loneliness, which can lead to increased instances of depression. Members may contact a Nurse anytime, 24/7. Call (855) 299-3087.

    Early refill on 30-day Prescriptions: Alliant has set a 75% refill allowance for all 30-day prescriptions on out-patient prescription drugs except controlled drugs and stimulants.

    Example: You have a 30 day, once-a-day prescription that you have filled on March 1. Normally you would wait until April 1, or a full 30 days, to be eligible for a refill. With the early refill option, you can refill your prescription on March 24, which is when 75% or ¾ of your prescription has been used. 

    Mail-Order: This is another feature many members may have forgotten. It is simple to use and allows employees to practice maximum social distancing. Members receive their 30-day supply directly to their door. Alliant uses Magellan as its Pharmacy Benefit Manager. For prescription transfers, contact the Magellan mail-order facility at (800) 424-8274.

    Credit Card Payment – Extension: You may continue to use any credit card (except American Express) to pay for your monthly SoloCare health plan premium until the end of the CMS state of emergency, and will provide a 60 day notice of change in benefits. Go to AlliantPlans.com and click on the “Make a SoloCare Payment” link under Quick Resources in the right-hand portion of the home page.

    Modifications, exceptions, and relaxation of rules and regulations are due explicitly to the COVID-19 pandemic. These flexibilities provide room for individual to navigate as COVID-19 impacts their lives. If there are other ways you believe Alliant might assist, please contact us and we will listen. New information is being either released or learned virtually every day, and that new data may impact the decisions listed above. It is essential to know that these rules may expand or contract as more information is received or regulatory agencies provide guidance.

    Be patient as all insurance carriers deal with the rapid-fire changes being aimed at them. Modifications of systems, claims, client services, regulations and more take time to implement. If you need direct assistance, contact Client Services.