Coronavirus  Tests

Any  test you have for the Coronavirus will be 100% covered under your health insurance plan.  However, if you are diagnosed, at this  time you are still required to pay any deductibles, co-insurance or co-pays associated with the treatment and your policy.  

According  to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), "It is imperative during this public health emergency that patients avoid  travel, when possible, to physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, or other health care facilities where they could risk their own or  others’ exposure to further illness."  It was announced on March 17, 2020, Medicare is allowing your doctors to conduct telemedicine appointments directly without  having to comply with HIPPA requirements.  "The provider must use an interactive audio and video telecommunications system  that permits real-time communication between the distant site and the patient at home."  Your doctor has the discretion to  charge the normal co-pay or waive it.  For more information regarding the announcement, follow this link to the Medicare Telemedicine Health Care Provider  Fact Sheet.   To start a telemedicine conversation with your doctor, simply call  their office.  Please note: telemedicine or virtual doctor visits through a specific program are part of your Medicare Advantage plan.  Think of these visits as a virtual visit to Urgent Care, rather  than a specific appointment with your primary or specialist  doctor.  If you're unsure where to go for your particular  plan, see the links below by clicking on the images.  Many of  the plans have a $0 or low co-pay to use the system.    

The Social Security Administration (SSA) local offices closed as of March 17, 2020.  However, you can still  contact the SSA through your www.ssa.gov dashboard or by calling the national or local offices.

• National - 800-772-1213 
• Batavia - 866-931-7103
• Ithaca - 866-706-8289
• Geneva - 866-331-7759 
• Greece - 866-331-2204         
• Newark - 866-331-7759
• Rochester - 866-964-2045
• Syracuse - 866-755-4884   

From the Medicare.gov site: 

• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Wash your hands often and for 20 seconds - here is a list of a few song lyrics you can recite to make the time go by faster.
• Wash your hands after being out in public,  blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your face, nose and eyes.
• Clean and disinfect your home to remove  germs: frequently clean often touched surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets,  sinks, computers and cell phones
• Avoid crowds (have someone else go to the grocery store for you)
• Use telemedicine to continue to receive the  care you need
• If you think you may need testing for the  Coronavirus, call to the hospital first to alert them before arriving