The Local 25 Medical Plan Board of Trustees has been meeting frequently in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus) in our communities. On March 16, 2020, the Local 25 Medical Plan Trustees agreed to cover all costs for COVID-19 testing. Since then, the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act has been signed into law and expanded these coverages.
In accordance with the Act, the IUOE Local 25 Medical Plan will cover both in and out-of-network co-payments, deductibles, testing for the detection of COVID-19, office visits (in-person and telehealth visits), urgent care visits and emergency room visits related to COVID-19 for the duration of the National Emergency we are currently under. These provisions ensure that the Local 25 Medical Plan is in accordance with the law, but more importantly, allows our members and their families to obtain the necessary care associated with diagnosing COVID-19 without worrying about provider network status or pre-authorizations.
In an emergency meeting yesterday, the Local 25 Medical Plan Trustees also approved, during this National Emergency period, telehealth visits for in-network and out-of-network providers FOR ANY REASON (not limited to just COVID-19) in the same manner as the Plan would cover any office visit. We understand that many doctor’s offices are instructing patients to not come into their offices during this crisis and are offering telehealth visits instead. Whether you are taking advantage of this service offered by your current healthcare provider or choose to use one of the many telehealth services available to the public to protect yourself from an unnecessary office visit, the Local 25 Medical Plan will cover the cost in the same manner as an in-person visit.
If you have any questions about the expanded coverage being offered by the IUOE Local 25 Medical Plan, contact the Benefits Plans Office at ?(800) 548-6662 or at any of the following email addresses:
pchiu@local25plans.com
wbuchanan@local25plans.com
mbrodowski@local25plans.com