COVID vaccinations
As COVID vaccination distribution begins, employees may have questions related to coverage, availability, and where they can receive this vaccination. While we are early in the roll out of this vaccination, this is what we know today.
No out-of-pocket costs for vaccination
Any vaccine or therapeutic doses purchased with US taxpayer dollars will be given to the American people at no cost. Members covered under Kaiser, Regence and Asuris will have no out-of-pocket costs. Members will need to use their medical id cards
when getting the immunization.
Vaccine distribution
The federal government, through Operation Warp Speed, has been working since the pandemic started to develop, manufacture, and distribute COVID-19 vaccines. Safety
is a top priority, and in December the FDA approved two vaccines.
Vaccine prioritization
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the initial phase of the COVID-19 vaccination program be offered to healthcare personnel and residents
of long-term care facilities. Governors and jurisdictions will ultimately decide who will receive the vaccines. Learn more about Washington State’s COVID-19 vaccination plan.
Vaccine availability
Providers must enroll in a federal vaccine distribution program, coordinated through the state immunization program. Clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, health care offices and long-term care facilities can enroll. The federal government will procure and
distribute the vaccine at no cost to enrolled providers. Kaiser is an approved provider and will administer initial vaccines to the populations prioritized by state health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is also working with hospital systems and pharmacy chains
to administer the vaccines. Regence and Asuris members should
contact their doctor or pharmacist about getting the vaccination.
Thinking of mandatory vaccinations?
Most employers have implemented workplace policies that require employees to stay home from work if they are ill. Fewer employers have implemented workplace programs that mandate employee vaccinations against certain diseases. Employers will
need to consider federal and state laws on workplace discrimination and workplace safety. While a mandatory vaccination program may pass legal hurdles, there are many other areas of consideration, including administering exemptions, access to
the vaccine, communicating policies to employees, obtaining evidence of a vaccination, and the list goes on.
Ultimately, employers should work with their human resources department and legal counsel if investigating a mandatory employee vaccination policy.
COVID-19 treatment
The Trust is closely monitoring state and federal coverage guidelines related to COVID-19, and continues to work closely with our insurance carriers, making sure we are staying in touch with service trends in order to best meet and respond to our member's
needs. Below is information on COVID-19 treatment coverage. We know the burden that unexpected medical costs can bring. We feel it is important to reduce the financial impact to our affected employees and their family members, so they can focus on
their physical and mental well-being.
The AWC Trust has made the executive decision to cover the treatment for COVID-19 with no cost share to the member through December 31, 2021. (Note, all plans cover screening and testing at no member cost, however treatment would
typically be considered as any other medical illness, covered according to the parameters of the plan.)
The parameters of coverage for treatment of COVID-19 are:
- Waive all cost sharing (deductible, copay, coinsurance) for COVID-19 treatment, through December 31, 2021. This includes treatment at an office visit, emergency room, urgent care, hospital, telehealth, virtual care or other facilities that may be
necessary in light of safety or capacity concerns.
- Under Regence/Asuris, there is also no cost sharing for medications related to an ER or inpatient stay. When seeing an out-of-network provider, allowed amounts will be paid and balance billing may occur.
- Under Kaiser HMO plans, out-of-network coverage for testing and the related provider visit for COVID-19 may be covered if the provider network is insufficient.
- Under Kaiser PPO plan, when seeing an out-of-network provider, benefits will be paid at the in-network benefit level.
The Trust is pleased to be able to quickly act in making the decision to cover treatment for COVID-19 with no member costs throughout 2021.
As municipalities move forward in these unprecedented times, employers have had to make hard decisions about furloughs and/or layoffs. Many employers wish to continue health insurance for these employees.