The Local 1014 Health Line - Special Edition COVID-19 Resources

ISSUE 10 Spring 2020

THE 1014 HEALTH LINE

Photo by Ken Morris LACoFD VPP

Protecting Firefighters & Their Families...FOR LIFE

COVID-19 SPECIAL EDITION

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MESSAGE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MESSAGE

The Local 1014 Health Plan Board of Trustees is proud to present the Spring 2020 Special COVID-19 Edition of our quarterly newsletter, The 1014 Health Line.

As we navigate the everchanging situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to update you on what your Local 1014 Health Plan is doing to ensure that you and your family receive the highest level of care during this crisis. The Local 1014 Health Plan is committed to ensuring that our members and their families remain safe during this crisis and that they receive the highest level of care possible.

In this newsletter you will find a checklist for proper cleaning and disinfection of your home and household items. You will also find important information on COVID-19 testing coverage from The Local 1014 Health Plan and new expansions of our telehealth services.

Issues and circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic change quickly and healthcare laws may be affected by future events. The Local 1014 Health Trust is committed to keeping you informed as we navigate this process and push to provide our members with the highest level of care. In order to get the most up-to-date information please update your contact information including your address email and phone number by calling our offices 800-660-1014.

Finally, here at The Local 1014 Health Plan, we are committed to ensuring the safety and health of our employees in order to continue to provide the highest level of service to our members.

Together with the Local 1014 Union, we created a plan to move our employees to telework. We acted immediately for the safety of our employees and their families. This was a huge undertaking. We moved quickly to secure the hardware, cell phones, and establish internet with the bandwidth needed, and secure HIPAA and ensure security for every job at the Union Hall. Thank you to all who worked on this endeavor so we can ensure uninterrupted health care coverage for our members while protecting our employees.

As always, thank you for placing your trust in us and we look forward to continuing to work together to create a healthy and bright future for our members and their families.

As we navigate the everchanging situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to update you on what your Local 1014 Health Plan is doing to ensure that you and your family receive the highest level of care during this crisis.�

TESTING FOR COVID-19 The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), passed last month, modifies and expands the provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the FFCRA) requiring employer-sponsored group health plans to provide coverage of COVID-19 testing. Beyond these requirements, The Local 1014 Health Plan has taken extra steps to ensure that our members have access to COVID-19 testing when and where they need it.

We are working diligently to navigate the various updates and advances in testing as well as complying with changing healthcare laws. There are many types of testing for COVID-19, including antibody testing. While we want our members to have access to tests we also want to ensure the tests follow the Centers for Disease Control recommendations to get the results and in-formation needed to provide care. For more information on COVID-19 testing please review the questions below.

What if I am tested by an IN-NETWORK provider or facility?

Answer: Local 1014 will waive the members’ cost share, including copays, coinsurance, and deductibles, for diagnostic testing related to COVID-19, as well as for the in-network visit associated with COVID-19 testing, whether it takes place at a doctor’s office or emergency department.

What if I am tested by an OUT-OF-NETWORK provider or facility?

Answer: Local 1014 has set a cap on the amount of member cost share it will pay out-of-network providers and facilities. Local 1014 will waive the members’ cost share, including copays, coinsurance, and deductibles up to $200. Please note, while we have capped out-of-network costs some out-of-network providers may bill you for the difference or “balance bill.”

What if I go to a drive-thru testing site?

Answer: Local 1014 payment will depend on the coverage described above for in-network provider or facilities and out-of-network provider or facilities.

What if I have already been tested and paid for it myself?

Answer: Once you submit proof of payment, Local 1014 will reimburse you directly according to the coverage described for in-network provider or facilities and out-of-network provider or facilities.

WARNING EMERGING HEALTH CARE SCHEME:

Bad actors are selling fake COVID-19 test kits, antibody test kits, and unapproved treatments through telemarketing calls, social media platforms, and door-to-door visits. These tests and treatments are neither FDA nor CDC approved. Be cautious of any unsolicited offers that require or request your medical insurance information. Also beware of individuals offering to sell you a COVID-19 or antibody test kit or supplies, especially when these contacts are unexpected. A physician or other trusted health care provider should assess your condition and approve any requests for COVID-19 testing.

PROPER CLEANING AND DISINFECTING CHECKLIST AND BEST PRACTICES Proper Cleaning and Disinfecting Checklist and Best Practices As First Responders on the frontline of this crisis, we have to be extra cautious and diligent about our cleaning and disinfecting habits both at the stations and at home. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued specific guideline for proper cleaning and disinfecting for surfaces. See their recommendations below for properly cleaning surfaces in your home as well as best practices if you or a loved one is sick with COVID-19.

What to clean: Wear disposable gloves to clean and disinfect. Clean surfaces using soap and water.

Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.

HIGH TOUCH SURFACES INCLUDE: Doorknobs

Faucets

Light switches

Sinks

Countertops

Tables

Handles

Remote controls

Desks

Cars doors

Phones

Keys

Keyboards

Car wheels

Toilets

Car gear shifts

How to disinfect: • Clean the area or item with soap and water or another detergent if it is dirty.

Then, use a household disinfectant.

• Recommend use of EPA-registered household disinfectant list (https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2) Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product.

Many products recommend: o Keeping surface wet for a period of time (see product label) o Precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

• Diluted household bleach solutions may also be used if appropriate for the surface. o Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection, and ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Some bleaches, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing or for whitening may not be suitable for disinfection. o Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix house hold bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute.

To make a bleach solution, mix: o 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water OR o 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water • Alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol may also be used. More details: Complete Disinfection Guidance (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-geting-sick/cleaning-disinfection.html)

Soft surfaces For soft surfaces such as carpeted floo , rugs, and drapes • Clean the surface using soap and water or with cleaners appropriate for use on these surfaces.

• Launder items (if possible) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

OR • Disinfect with an EPA-registered household disinfectant. These disinfectants external icon meet EPA’s criteria for use against COVID-19.

Electronics For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, and remote controls.

• Consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics • Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and disinfecting o If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol.

Dry surface thoroughly.

Laundry For clothing, towels, linens and other items • Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use the warmest appropriate water setting and dry items completely.

• Wear disposable gloves when handling dirty laundry from a person who is sick.

• Dirty laundry from a person who is sick can be washed with other people’s items.

• Do not shake dirty laundry.

• Clean and disinfect clothes hampers according to guidance above for surfaces.

• Remove gloves, and wash hands right away.

Clean hands often • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. o Always wash immediately after removing gloves and after contact with a person who is sick.

• Hand sanitizer: If soap and water are not readily available and hands are not visibly dirty, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. However, if hands are visibly dirty, always wash hands with soap and water.

• Additional key times to clean hands include: o After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing, o After using the restroom, o Before eating or preparing food, o After contact with animals or pets, o Before and after providing routine care for another person who needs assistance (e.g. a child).

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

When someone is sick: Bedroom and Bathroom Keep separate bedroom and bathroom for a person who is sick (if possible) • The person who is sick should stay separated from other people in the home (as much as possible).

• If you have a separate bedroom and bathroom: Only clean the area around the person who is sick when needed, such as when the area is soiled. This will help limit your contact with the person who is sick. o Caregivers can provide personal cleaning supplies to the person who is sick (if appropriate). Supplies include tissues, paper towels, cleaners, and EPA-registered disinfectants external icon. If they feel up to it, the person who is sick can clean their own space.

• If shared bathroom: The person who is sick should clean and disinfect after each use. If this is not possible, the caregiver should wait as long as possible before cleaning and disinfecting.

• See precautions for household members and caregivers for more information.

Food

Trash

• Stay separated: The person who is sick should eat (or be fed) in their room if possible.

• Wash dishes and utensils using gloves and hot water: Handle any used dishes, cups/glasses, or silverware with gloves. Wash them with soap and hot water or in a dishwasher.

• Clean hands after taking off gloves or handling used items.

• Dedicated, lined trash can: If possible, dedicate a lined trash can for the person who is sick.

Use gloves when removing garbage bags, and handling and disposing of trash.

Wash hands afterwards.

More details:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/disinfecting-your-home.html

Telemedicine: LiveHealth Online In addition to testing, The Local 1014 Health Plan recommends members use telehealth when possible to help prevent the spread of infection and improve access to care. LiveHealth Online, is a safe and effective way for members to receive medical guidance from their homes using a smartphone, tablet or computer with a webcam.

To promote the use of telehealth services, we are waiving the member copay of $15 for LiveHealth Online visits for next 90 days.

Visit our website www.local1014medical.org for more information.

NEW CHATBOT FEATURE FOR OUR WEBSITE! In order to improve and enhance your experience on our Local 1014 Health Plan website, we have added a new AI chatbot feature!

This new feature is part of our larger effort to integrate technology in order to improve the member experience and provide more tools to access your healthcare benefits. This new feature will not only allow easy access to answers for some of the most common questions, but also allows us to tailor our website experience to our members needs through data analysis.

Visit the website today to try out this new feature and access important information regarding claims, reimbursements, COVID-19 resources, prescription drug information and more.

www.local1014medical.org

CONTACT INFORMATION: The Local 1014 Health Plan 3460 Fletcher Avenue El Monte, CA 91731 800-660-1014 medicalplan@local1014.org local1014medical.org

Photo by Ken Morris LACoFD