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College of Medicine Pandemic Response for Jan. 28

This Week’s Updates:

Health Insurance Coverage for At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits

As part of ongoing efforts to expand Americans’ access to free COVID-19 testing, the Biden-Harris Administration announced insurance companies and group health plans were required to cover the cost of over-the-counter (OTC), at-home COVID-19 test kits as of Jan. 15.

Penn State’s CVS Caremark prescription coverage will cover the cost of OTC COVID-19 at-home test kits for those employees and their families enrolled in a Penn State health plan.

There is a limit of up to 8 OTC COVID-19 at-home test kits per covered member (meaning each covered family member) per 30 consecutive days. If the kits contain 2 tests, then the limit is no more than 4 kits per 30 consecutive days.

Coverage/reimbursement options when purchasing test kits:

No out-of-pocket costs up front. Members will need to present their CVS Caremark ID card at point of sale to the pharmacy. If you encounter an issue at the pharmacy counter processing your claim, you will be reimbursed up to the mandated limit, so keep your receipt so you can submit a claim to CVS Caremark.

Members will be required to pay for the kit and then must submit a claim for reimbursement. The reimbursement will be the cost of the test itself, which may not include sales tax.

  • Non-participating pharmacy or non-pharmacy locations, such as Amazon:

Members will need to pay for the kit at the time of purchase and then must submit a claim for reimbursement. The maximum reimbursement for these tests will be $12.

Health plan enrolled employees who have questions or need assistance finding a participating pharmacy can visit the CVS Caremark COVID-19 Help Center or the CVS Caremark website, or contact them directly at 1-844-462-0203.

Vaccine Mandate Compliance

Per current Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requirements, all students and members of the College of Medicine workforce must have either received a first vaccine or applied for a disability/medical or religious accommodation by Jan. 27. A large percentage of College of Medicine students and employees have complied with this requirement.

Remember: By Saturday, Feb. 26, all students and members of the College of Medicine workforce must have completed a full vaccine series, or an approved accommodation must be in place.

All vaccinated employees who are eligible for a booster are strongly urged to schedule one. Boosters are available for free at locations near you on vaccines.gov.

Student Testing After Infection and Quarantine Guidelines

New testing guidelines have been developed based on new Centers for Disease Control recommendations and the availability of rapid antigen tests. The new guidance is designed to minimize isolation and quarantine periods, where possible. Students are encouraged to save these guidelines should they need them this academic year.

Participant Mask Removal Must Remain on Pause for All Observational Studies at the College of Medicine

In-person, observational research studies with procedures that involve participant mask removal (for any reason) remain on hold. This requirement is for all observational studies reviewed and approved through InfoReady. Study teams must continue to follow all other requirements as outlined in their COVID Safety protocol in InfoReady. This temporary pause will be reevaluated, in conjunction of the local case load and hospital capacity, with an update to be issued each week in the Pandemic Response Friday Round-Up.

Coming Up: Town Hall on Friday, Feb. 4

The College of Medicine will be hosting a town hall on Friday, Feb. 4, noon-1 p.m. The Town Hall will highlight the following topics: COVID-19, progress with the five-year strategic plan, dean and chair search updates, and budget updates. A portion will be allocated to Q&A, which can be submitted in advance.

  • Friday, Feb. 4
  • Noon-1 p.m.
  • Zoom: https://pshealth.zoom.us/j/92852164083
  • Or One tap mobile:
  • +16513728299,,92852164083# US (Minnesota)
  • +17866351003,,92852164083# US (Miami)
  • Webinar ID: 928 5216 4083

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