Category: Coronavirus

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

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The CU Health Plan continues to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and have put together the following list of frequently asked questions regarding vaccine developments based on information provided to us by Anthem, CVS Caremark, and Kaiser Permanente as of January 11, 2021.

1. Who is eligible to receive the vaccine? When can I receive the vaccine?

The State has developed a phased approach to vaccine distribution as shown in the timeline on the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) website. As of January 11, 2021, Governor Polis has recently prioritized those aged 70 and older to receive the COVID-19 vaccine within phase 1B at scheduled COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

Vaccines must be provided in compliance with the State’s guidance according to the timeline on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) website. Please refer to the timeline to determine which phase of vaccine distribution applies to you.

2. How do I sign up to receive the vaccine?

The process of preparing to receive the COVID-19 may vary according to several factors, including vaccine availability, patient’s eligibility, and/or patient’s doctor’s office vaccine administration.

  • First, check which eligibility phase applies to you according to the timeline on the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) website.
  • Call your general practitioner’s office regarding questions about their vaccine administration processes to determine if you will be able to receive the vaccine during the applicable distribution phase.
  • Call your insurance provider regarding questions about vaccine administration processes to determine how and where you may be able to receive the vaccine during the applicable distribution phase.

Anthem – Dedicated Customer Service: 1-800-735-6072 or visit Anthem.com/coronavirus/

CVS Caremark (CVS administers pharmacy benefits for all Anthem CU Health Plans) – Contact CVS Caremark’s dedicated CU Health Plan Customer Care team at at 1-888-964-0121, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Kaiser – Due to high interest in the COVID-19 vaccines, Kaiser’s Appointment and Advice Contact Center is experiencing very high call volumes and long wait times. Vaccine-eligible members are strongly encouraged to use the e-visit at KP.org/covidvaccine or the automated phone line (1-844-951-1932) to register for the vaccine.

3. Do I have to pay for the COVID-19 vaccine?

All eligible individuals (members and non-members) may receive a COVID-19 vaccination from providers offering the vaccination on behalf of the State of Colorado at NO COST. Vaccine doses purchased with taxpayer dollars are required by the federal government to be given at no cost. Insured and uninsured patients who receive the vaccine will not have any out-of-pocket cost.

4. I’ve already had COVID-19. Will I still need to get the vaccine?

Yes. The recommendation from the CDC is that people who have previously been infected and recovered should get vaccinated since immunity from vaccines will last longer. However, if you have active COVID-19 symptoms, you should delay getting the vaccine until you’ve recovered and met criteria for ending isolation.

5. Can my spouse or family members receive the vaccine?

Yes. Vaccines must be provided in compliance with the State’s guidance according to the timeline on the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) website. Please refer to the timeline to determine which phase of vaccine distribution applies to you.

6. If I receive the vaccine, can I stop wearing a mask?

No. It will be important for everyone to keep using all available methods to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. These include covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing your hands often, and staying at least 6 feet away from others.

7. How can I get the most up-to-date information on the COVID-19 vaccine?

CU Health Plan Members and non-members can access COVID-19 information specifically for Coloradans at covid19.colorado.gov. This website includes the statewide vaccine provider map, which is updated every Wednesday with locations that have received vaccine shipments within the past two weeks. While vaccine supplies are limited, providers on this map may or may not have vaccine or appointments currently available. Please call for information before visiting.

Another useful tool available to CU Health Plan members and non-members is PlanYourVaccine.com

Anthem (CU Health Plans: Exclusive, Extended, High Deductible, Medicare)

Anthem.com/coronavirus/

Three things to know about the COVID-19 vaccine

CVS Caremark (administers pharmacy benefits for all Anthem CU Health Plans: Exclusive, Extended, High Deductible, Medicare)

Caremark.com/covid19

CVS COVID-19 Member Webinar Update

Kaiser

For more questions and answers on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit KP.org/covidvaccine. Or call the Kaiser national COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 1-855-550-0951. The hotline is available 24/7 (in English and Spanish) and will provide the latest vaccine information.

Additional Kaiser resources:

KP.org/covidvaccine

Kaiser Permanente process for signing up for the COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A

What to expect when you get your COVID-19 vaccine

Kaiser’s phased approach to re-opening medical offices

Please see below for details provided to the CU Health Plan team regarding Kaiser’s phased approach to re-opening some of their medical offices.

Additional reading:

Kaiser – Phone Visit FlyerDownload
Kaiser – Video Visit FlyerDownload

As Kaiser Permanente continues response to COVID-19, our highest priority remains the safety of our members, our staff, and the communities we serve. While the state of Colorado transitions to a “Safer at Home” model, Kaiser Permanente is initiating a phased approach to reopening some of our medical offices. This approach will provide additional locations for members to be seen in-person for primary and specialty care needs that can’t be met virtually.

Virtual First Puts Safety First

While we know that all care cannot be managed through a virtual visit, we encourage members to utilize our many virtual care options, when appropriate, prior to scheduling an in-person appointment.

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Kaiser Permanente has been a leader in the state in offering robust virtual services to provide members with the care they need, while helping ensure the safety of our patients, staff, and physicians. As we begin increasing in-person access, we want members to take a “Virtual First” approach to accessing care.

If In-Person Care is Required

When a member arrives at a medical office, they will be greeted by a Kaiser Permanente team member for check-in. At that time, they will be given a mask if they do not already have one. We are requiring all patients, visitors, staff, and physicians to wear a mask while in the medical office.

As was always a part of our practice, each exam room and its equipment are thoroughly cleaned in between each patient visit. Given the emphasis on physical distancing, seating has been modified in waiting areas and six-foot floor markers have been established in the pharmacy lines.

What Your Employees Should Know

  • Our “Virtual First” approach to care is in place for your employees’ safety and convenience and the provider they connect with can always help them determine if they need an in-person visit. Share the attached flyers about video and phone visits and let employees know they can learn more about all virtual care options on kp.org/getcare.
  • In the coming days, we will be sending out an email to all members with information about in-person visits and locations, pharmacy hours, and resources for accessing virtual and in-person care.
  • The latest information on our temporary medical offices hours of operation and pharmacy hours can be found on kp.org/coronavirus.
  • Kaiser Permanente is working toward resuming non-urgent and elective surgeries and procedures in a coordinated manner that will continue to protect our patients, staff, physicians, and communities.
  • As always, members can schedule appointments on kp.org, or call the Appointment and Advice Contact Center 24/7 at 303-338-4545 or 1-800-218-1059 (TTY 711).

Virtual First is an important part of Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to the health and safety of our communities during these challenging times. It is still important for us to observe strong preventive measures, like physical distancing, to help flatten the curve of the coronavirus.

Kaiser’s operations will continue to evolve as the safety of our members and staff allow, and the CU Health Plan team will continue to receive updates on the latest developments.