How Tyson Foods and BlueAdvantage are addressing COVID-19

Tyson Foods and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas are committed to your safety and well-being. Our insurance provider, BlueAdvantage, is working closely with the state and federal government during the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) to ensure that our team members and their families get the information and care they need.

Any illness related to the coronavirus that results in a need for standard covered medical treatment would be a covered benefit. If you need specific information about your coverage, call the number on the back of your BlueAdvantage member ID card. BlueAdvantage is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and other federal recommendations and will continue to support and protect the health and well-being of our team members.

Details of your BlueAdvantage coverage commitment effective immediately include:

1. There will be no prior authorizations for COVID-19 diagnostic tests and for covered services that meet primary coverage criteria and are consistent with CDC guidance. Currently, the only recommended screening test for COVID-19 is the RT-PCR Test.
2. We will cover (at no cost to our members) COVID-19 diagnostic tests order by in-network providers that meet primary coverage criteria consistent with CDC guidance. BlueAdvantage will cover, with no cost share to the member, the covered diagnostic testing services that meet primary coverage criteria for COVID-19 as defined by the CDC and determined by the member’s healthcare provider, where it is not covered as part of the Public Health Service response. We also will ensure patient testing is done in close coordination with federal, state and public health authorities.
3. We will increase access to prescription medications by waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications (consistent with a member’s benefit plan) and/or encouraging members to use their 90-day mail-order benefit. Early refill limits does not apply to narcotics or controlled substances.
4. We are encouraging our members to access virtual health and nurse/provider hotlines. Given the nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, seeking in-person medical care may lead to further spreading of the virus. We encourage the use of virtual health (such as Doctor On Demand) and will also facilitate member access and use of nurse/provider hotlines. Because of the high volume of calls, a longer than normal wait time should be expected. There will be no cost to the member when using Doctor On Demand.

These measures will be in effect through May 15 and at that time we will reevalute the situation.

It is important that our employees and their families feel safe and secure knowing that they are able to pursue the proper care and testing they need to protect their health during this time of concern. Whenever and wherever our employees need healthcare related to the coronavirus, BlueAdvantage is there with them. If you are experiencing symptoms or have questions about your health, contact your primary care doctor first. For additional information about COVID-19 and what you can do to prepare, please use the links below.

• What you should know (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html)
• Preventive actions:
  Take these everyday actions to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze with the inside of your elbow (not your hands). Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that are frequently touched or may be contaminated with germs.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hint: sing the “Happy Birthday” twice. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol.