Coronavirus Outbreak: What You Need to Know
Editor’s note: This post was first published Jan. 28 and last updated 9 a.m. May 30 with the latest confirmed national and global COVID-19 cases.
Cases of a new coronavirus continue to be identified in Michigan. As a result, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of disaster in Michigan to help officials and communities respond and slow the spread of the global pandemic.
May 30 Update:
- Under an order from Gov. Whitmer, anyone who has to leave home for work and has mild symptoms can get a coronavirus test without a doctor’s order.
- As of midnight May 26, any non-U.S. citizen traveling to the U.S. who has been in Brazil in the past 14 days will be temporarily denied entry to the U.S.
- The stay-at-home order in Michigan has been extended to June 12.
- There are 56,621 cases and 5,406 deaths from COVID-19 in Michigan.
- The state of Michigan has launched the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Initiative to accept monetary donations to support critical services. Visit www.michigan.gov/fightcovid19 and click “donations.”
- The state of Michigan is seeking health care professionals to volunteer their expertise to fight the pandemic. Find a full list of opportunities here.
Click on a link below to jump to the section in this blog:
The disease caused by the new coronavirus is called COVID-19 (formerly referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCov”). The outbreak of this previously unknown strain of coronavirus started in December 2019 in Wuhan, China.
Individuals and organizations across Michigan are being asked to limit non-essential travel, leave work or school if you feel sick and to practice good hygiene. COVID-19 has been declared a national emergency.
This is a rapidly developing situation and information is constantly changing and being updated as officials learn more about the virus.
You may find these articles helpful:
- Strategies to Manage Your Coronavirus Stress and Anxiety
- Easing Kids’ Concerns about Coronavirus
- Helping Teens Cope Mentally Through the Coronavirus Pandemic
There is a lot of variability in patient symptoms from COVID-19. The CDC is now warning that as many as 25% of people infected with the new coronavirus may not show symptoms.
COVID-19 has been reported to cause symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell. Increasing shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to wake up, or bluish lips or face are emergency warning signs and are reasons to seek medical assistance without delay.
The virus is mainly spread when the respiratory droplets from an infected person’s coughs or sneezes land on the mouths and noses of people nearby and may be inhaled into the lungs. The CDC believes people are most contagious when they are the sickest. According to current estimates, it takes two to 14 days for symptoms to appear.
People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, older adults and people of any age with underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing a serious illness from COVID-19.
Based on what officials know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are:
- People aged 65 years and older
- People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including:
- People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
- People who have serious heart conditions
- People who are immunocompromised
- Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications
- People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher)
- People with diabetes
- People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
- People with liver disease
It is important to remember that stigma and discrimination occur when people associate an infectious disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality. COVID-19 does not target people from specific populations, ethnicities, or racial backgrounds.
People over the age of 80 should especially take precautions, according to Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
The CDC is advising these groups of people at a higher risk to stock up on supplies and medications in case of an outbreak in their community — and plan to stay home as much as possible if an outbreak occurs. People over the age of 80 should avoid crowded, poorly ventilated areas, have backup plans for home health care if they are homebound and cancel any cruise ship plans, according to Messonnier.
Take everyday precautions to keep space between yourself and others, avoid crowds and wash your hands often when you go out in public.
For people with underlying medical conditions, it’s important that you continue to take your medications as prescribed by your doctor to keep your conditions under control. Before changing a prescribed medication regimen, first talk to your doctor about your concerns and follow their advice. They have up-to-date information about what the latest recommendations are.
You may find these articles helpful:
- How to Self-Quarantine During the Coronavirus Outbreak
- Coronavirus Supply List: How to Prepare for a Quarantine
- How to Be a Helper Right Now
To prevent the spread of the virus, one should take the following precautions:
- Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol-based.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and a cough.
- If you are sick with a respiratory illness, practice cough etiquette: maintain your distance, cover your coughs and sneezes with tissues or clothing, and wash your hands.
- If you have a fever, are coughing and have difficulty breathing, seek medical care and share any travel history with your doctor.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily, including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- The CDC is recommending that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified disinfectant products that have qualified for use against the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19, some of which are familiar household names. Coronaviruses are some of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the right disinfectant, according to the EPA. Make sure to read the label on the disinfectant product before using it, especially the portion about how long the product should remain on the surface.
In addition to hand washing, using the right disinfectant products is an important step to prevent and reduce the spread of the new coronavirus.
If You Recently Traveled and Feel Well
There is global ongoing community transmission of COVID-19. Stay home for 14 days from the time you left an international area with widespread, ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice countries) and practice social distancing.
Take these steps to monitor your health and practice social distancing:
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
- Stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.
- Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
- Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
- Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).
The CDC is advising you to call your health care provider for medical advice if you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or if you live in a community where there is ongoing spread of COVID-19 and you develop a fever and symptoms.
Tell the health care worker about your recent travels or contacts, and the professional will decide if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
The guidelines that clinicians are using to decide who to test are being re-evaluated daily. These decisions are currently being made in consultation with the local health departments under guidance of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the CDC. For more information, see this link. As there is no treatment for COVID-19, people who have a mild illness may be able to isolate from others and care for themselves at home.
- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has launched a statewide coronavirus hotline. Call 1-888-535-6136 to speak with health officials from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
- Find a testing site in Michigan by visiting Michigan.gov/CoronavirusTest and entering your ZIP code.
- MDHHS will also answer questions by email by contacting [email protected] from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.
The CDC advises those being evaluated for COVID-19 and who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 to monitor their symptoms. If your illness is worsening — for example, if you have difficulty breathing — the CDC advises you call your health care provider and tell them you either have or are being evaluated for COVID-19.
If you have a medical appointment, call the health care provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the health care provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
Before entering the health facility, put on a facemask to protect others in the office or waiting room from possibly being exposed. Ask your health care provider to call the health department.
If you have or are being evaluated for COVID-19 and need to call 911 for an emergency, notify the dispatcher of your status regarding the coronavirus. If possible, the CDC advises putting on a facemask before help arrives.
- Anyone with symptoms or who has had to work outside their home for the past 10 days can get a coronavirus test without a doctor’s prescription in Michigan.
- A COVID-19 test site finder is now available online.
Health care leaders are encouraging patients to use telehealth options in order to access virtual care during the coronavirus outbreak. For patients with mild symptoms including headaches, stomachaches and vomiting, painful urination, cold and flu symptoms, eye irritations and mild rashes and injuries, virtual care provides a convenient way to access health care professionals.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is waiving the cost of telehealth visits to its members and customers that have that benefit included in their health care plans as a part of the company’s response to the new coronavirus pandemic. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network offer two options to access virtual care: the 24-hour Nurse Line and Blue Cross Online Visits.
Additionally, BCBSM is offering a free crisis hotline for emotional support for members and non-members at 833-848-1764, which is staffed by BCBSM’s behavioral health partner New Directions.
Additionally, ask your primary care provider if they are available to you via telemedicine through their patient portals or other means.
BCBSM and Blue Care Network have expanded their insurance coverage in numerous ways to help members confront the COVID-19 pandemic.
Blue Cross is covering all COVID-19 inpatient and outpatient treatment from in-network and out-of-network providers through June 30, 2020. Member cost sharing is also waived.
BCBSM and BCN are waiving member cost sharing for physician-authorized COVID-19 testing and resulting services as of March 18, 2020 in line with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Testing and associated services must be consistent with CDC guidelines.
BCBSM and BCN are waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day and 90-day prescription maintenance medications.
BCBSM and BCN are providing no-cost telehealth services to members with existing telehealth benefits nationally through at least June 30. This includes common behavioral health therapy, and most common office visit and hospitalization-follow-ups.
Additionally, BCBSM is supporting Michigan-based physician organizations and practices to support their efforts treating COVID-19 patients. BCBSM is relaxing some of its administrative requirements to allow Michigan’s physician organizations and health systems to spend more time treating patients and hasten their diagnoses and treatment.
In the U.S., the first case was confirmed in a Washington state resident Tuesday, Jan. 21. As of May 30, there are 1,747,087 confirmed cases and 102,836 deaths due to COVID-19 in the U.S., according to data collected by a team at Johns Hopkins University. Also, as of May 30, there are at least 56,621 cases of the coronavirus in Michigan.
In communities where community-level spread of the new coronavirus has been reported, the CDC considers people to be at an elevated risk of exposure, with increase in risk dependent on the location. Also those at an elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 are health care workers caring for patients sick from the virus, close contacts of people who have been diagnosed and travelers returning from international locations where community-level spread of the virus is occurring.
As of May 30, there are a total of 5,954,711 confirmed and clinically diagnosed cases and 365,535 deaths globally.
Cases of the virus continue to be reported as the outbreak spreads.
- As of May 21, gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed in Michigan
- Beginning May 26, auto dealerships and retail can open to in-person shopping, by appointment only
- Beginning May 29, nonessential medical, dental and veterinary procedures can resume
- K-12 school facilities are closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.
- Beginning Friday, May 22, certain businesses in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula can resume business with guidelines in place for activity, including bars and restaurants at 50% capacity.
- The stay-at-home order in Michigan has been extended to June 12.
- On May 7, construction, real estate and other businesses that perform work outdoors can re-open
- On May 11, manufacturing facilities can re-open — though auto manufacturers are choosing to re-open May 18
- Exceptions still apply to essential workers and to essential trips like grocery shopping and visiting the pharmacy.
- Individuals are required to wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces as long as they are medically able to.
- Travel between Michigan residences is permitted, but individuals are not allowed to travel to vacation rentals.
- Stores must still restrict the number of people inside the store.
- Some businesses can re-open, including lawn services, garden shops, landscapers, nurseries, moving and storage, bicycle repair shops.
- Outdoor activities including golfing and motorized boating are now allowed, as long as individuals abide by social distancing guidelines.
- Large stores can re-open certain sections including carpeting, flooring, furniture, garden centers, plant nurseries or paint.
- Gov. Whitmer issued an order that requires all checkout employees to wear face coverings, as well as requiring other measures businesses must take to protect workers and consumers.
For Michigan residents, there are numerous resources available for those in need of help during the pandemic:
Travel Guidelines and Restrictions
Foreign travelers who have been in China, Iran and Europe — as well as the U.K. including Britain and Ireland — within the past two weeks will be banned from entering into the U.S. for 30 days, under order from President Donald Trump. As of midnight May 26, the travel ban is being extended to Brazil as well. The ban does not apply to American citizens, permanent legal residents of the U.S. and their families — though they may have to travel through certain airports to receive enhanced screening measures.
The CDC is recommending that travelers avoid all non-essential visits to all global destinations as a result of the pandemic.
On March 19, the U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 travel advisory urging U.S. citizens to avoid any international travel and for those currently overseas to return to the United States or be prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite timeframe. Beginning Monday, March 16, domestic travel for civilian military employees and their families is halted until May 11.
The U.S.-Canada and the U.S.-Mexico border are closed to non-essential traffic for tourism and recreation, though trade is not affected.
As of March 8, the CDC is recommending that travelers — especially those with underlying health issues, defer all cruise ship travel worldwide. This is due to the fact that cruise ship passengers are at an increased risk of person-to-person spread of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Additionally, older adults and travelers with underlying health issues should avoid situations that put them at an increased risk for more severe disease — including avoiding crowded places, non-essential travel like long plane trips and avoiding cruise ship travel. Cruise ships in the U.S. are under a no-sail order from the CDC.
The community-level spread of COVID-19 has prompted the CDC to ask travelers to consider their risk of exposure before going on any trip. State or local governments may have issued local travel restrictions. Check with public health departments for more information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Am I at risk?
The CDC considers the novel coronavirus to be a serious public health threat.
In the U.S. communities where community-level spread of the new coronavirus has been reported, the CDC considers people to be at an elevated risk, with an increase in risk depending on location. Those also at an elevated risk of exposure to COVID-19 are health care workers caring for patients sick from the virus, close contacts of people who have been diagnosed and travelers returning from international locations where community-level spread of the virus is occurring.
Older adults and people with serious chronic medical conditions including heart disease, diabetes and lung disease are more at risk of developing a serious illness from COVID-19. See the “People at Risk for Serious Illness” section in this blog for a full list.
The situation is rapidly evolving, and the CDC is committed to share updated information as it becomes available.
Why is it called a coronavirus?
The term “coronavirus” refers to a group of viruses that have crown-like spikes on their surface, according to the CDC.
Is this coronavirus new?
Yes. The strain of coronavirus behind the current outbreak that started in China is a new strain that was previously unknown to health officials.
The virus’ official name is “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes is named COVID-19. Currently there is no vaccine for this strain of coronavirus.
There are multiple types of coronaviruses that health officials are already familiar with, including strains that cause the common cold, the strain behind severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the strain behind Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).
Where did the novel coronavirus come from?
The novel coronavirus’ genes suggest that it originated in bats, as did SARS and MERS, according to the CDC.
World Health Organization officials believe the coronavirus outbreak began at a large seafood and live animal market in the city of Wuhan, China, and that it likely spread at first from animals to humans. Now the virus is spreading from person to person.
Is it safe to receive a letter or package from China?
As of this time, the CDC believes it is safe to receive a letter or package from China. The coronavirus is similar to SARS and MERS, both of which did not survive long on objects like letters or packages. The CDC believes there is a very low risk of the virus spreading from products or packages.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions here:
This content has been reviewed and approved by Dr. S. George Kipa, deputy chief medical officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Related:
- Are You Washing Your Hands the Right Way?
- Four Reasons Everyone Should Get a Flu Shot
- Your Roadmap to Conquering Flu Season
Photo credit: filadendron
How does the suggestion to…..Avoid consuming raw or undercooked animal products. help stop the spread of the Coronavirus??
Hi Brian,
We removed this reference from the blog. Thank you – Julie
If it’s a EW virus why is it lusted on a Lysol Soray Disinfectant can?
Per CDC.gov/coronavirus, the scientific name is 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). A novel coronavirus is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. The 2019-nCoV has not been previously detected prior to the outbreak reported in Wuhan, China. There are several strains of coronaviruses that health officials are already aware of, like the strain that causes SARS, and several strains that cause the common cold.
can the virus live on objects, clothing, plastics how long can the virus survive?
Hi Gayelinn,
According to the CDC, current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. It is theoretically possible that one can touch a freshly contaminated surface and then touch one’s face and thus transfer the infection. However, per the CDC, transmission of novel coronavirus to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented. Transmission of coronavirus occurs much more commonly through respiratory droplets from a cough or sneeze. Still, cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings.
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/cleaning-disinfection.html
– Julie
I had SARS in Dec. 2002 after traveling in China. What are my chances of contracting the current coronavirus now ?
Hi John,
COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and now with this new virus (named SARS-CoV-2). It is unclear at this time if previous exposure to SARS would offer any sort of immunity against this new strain of coronavirus.
– Julie
What do screening measures consist of?
Hi, Pat. Because this process is new, we have been in contact with health officials and providers. Here is our understanding of how the process will work: The provider decides if the test is appropriate for that patient based on symptoms and history. The provider should call the health department to discuss testing the patient. Patients will be tracked as the provider fills out a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services form to list symptoms. After the provider and health department agree to give the test, the provider tells the patient how to receive it. Let us know if you have any additonal questions. Thank you, Julie
if traveling out of an airport, will they be taking temperatures of passengers waiting to board a plane and or coming off a plane traveling with in the united states.?
Are any schools district been more Hit by that influenza I like to be more inform about this’d epidemic that it’s looking very dangerous and why it’s speeding so repeatedly what makes spread so repeatedly I would like to take time to thanks to Miss Amy Barczy for taking time to share a very important information about this’d very dangerous virus I would like to receive more information about what it’s been done to keep us safe from this very dangerous virus and what other steps to take to keep safe for me and my family, thanks u for a very important information I hope you can make more time to share more important information
Hi, Carlos. Our Coronavirus blog is a great resource and is updated multiple times a day with the latest statistics from Johns Hopkins University, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Just follow this link.
Thank you, Julie
No, up to 24 days without symptoms now.
Hi Duddly, According to the CDC, “depending on your travel history, you will be asked to stay home for a period of 14 days from the time you left an area with widespread or ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice).” https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html
– Julie
Keep me updated on this virus
Hi, Kenneth. Our Coronavirus blog is a great resource and is updated multiple times a day with the latest statistics from Johns Hopkins University, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Just follow this link.
Thank you, Julie
What strain of flu is it in 2019 and 2020
Hi Brenda,
The virus mentioned in this blog is officially named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes is named COVID-19. Unlike the flu, there is currently no vaccine for this strain of coronavirus. Let us know if you have more questions.
– Julie
Thank you for the information. Our leaders at the Federal level seem to not have a clue.
Thank you Blue Cross for the timely and informative information!!!!
Can Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan comment on telemental health please? Will you cover continuing therapy using other HIPAA-compliant platforms such as doxy.me and VSee Clinic during this emergency?
Hi Merry,
We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented situation. We’re working on an answer to your question.
– Julie
Hi Merry,
Will you let us know if you are a member or provider so we can better answer your question? Thanks, Julie
Hi, Merry,
We recently announced the addition of online behavioral health visits to the list of telehealth services we are covering in full for our members with existing telehealth benefits. These free services will be offered through at least June 30. You can learn more about our virtual services here: https://www.mibluesperspectives.com/news/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-michigan-blue-care-network-extend-no-cost-telehealth-services-to-june-30-and-include-behavioral-health-providers/ We also offer a free crisis hotline for emotional support that’s available to the public at 833.848.1764. Thank you, Julie
For over 30 years I have been prescribed plaquenil for my RA. Today the President told the world that it could treat COVID-19. I tried to call to get my script filled but was told it wasn’t allowed until into April. You advise that people prepare but I am worried that your limitations on refill may mean that by April there won’t be an plaquenil available.
Hi Patience,
We’d be happy to help answer questions. If you could provide some additional information at this link, a member of our team will reach out to you directly.
– Julie
I am a provider of mental health services and I cannot find anything about if BCBS of MI is covering Telehealth for its members and associated guidelines anywhere.
Hi Lavina,
We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented time. We are working to find an answer to your question.
– Julie
Hi, Lavina,
We recently announced the addition of online behavioral health visits to the list of telehealth services we are covering in full for our members with existing telehealth benefits. These free services will be offered through at least June 30. You can learn more about our virtual services here: https://www.mibluesperspectives.com/news/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-michigan-blue-care-network-extend-no-cost-telehealth-services-to-june-30-and-include-behavioral-health-providers/ We also offer a free crisis hotline for emotional support that’s available to the public at 833.848.1764.
Thank you, Julie
How can BCBSM Small Group Employer Plan holder can manage the lay off of its employees, are there any new layoff provisions being made? Can employees stay on the employer plan if employers chose to still pay for them, if so for how long?
Hi Adriana,
We’d be happy to help answer any questions you have. If you could provide us with some additional information at this link, a member of our team will reach out to you directly. – Julie
I work at GM and they shut down the plant, will BCBS terminate our coverage while on temporary layoff ?
Hi Ashley,
We’d be happy to help answer any questions you have. If you could provide us with some information at this link a member of our team will reach out to you directly.
Thank you,
Julie
How are celebrities/ sports stars getting tested yet I can’t get one? I’ve been home 7 days to today with fever/chills/body aches/upset stomach. Also have a mild cough. I’m age 56/type 2 diabetic who seems to catch things easy. I work for SSA and up to last Fri was exposed to the public daily at close proximity. Mercy Urgent Care gave me inhaler & steroids -made me feel I was overacting. Tried to follow up with PC Doctor but received no call back???
We need more tests!!!!!! My life and Others are just as important as some Congressman or Celebrity!!!
I have asthma, on meds and Two inhalers I also have a neurological disorder Am I at HIGH RISK FOR THE COVID-19! I WORK AT A POSTAL PLANT.
Hi S.C., We understand you’re concerned. If you feel you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should call your health care provider for proper guidance. – Julie
Last updated at 9 a.m.!
Hi Kathy,
We’re updating this post throughout the day. Hope you find it helpful! – Julie
If you have previously tested positive for Covid-19, been in quarantine for 14 days, and symptoms have stopped, are you considered cleared/healed? Also, are you able to become re-infected with the virus again?
Hi NaTasha,
The first thing you should do is ask your primary care physician’s advice regarding your personal treatment plan. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who have had COVID-19 can discontinue self-isolation if they’ve been fever-free for 72 hours without the use of medication, other symptoms have improved and at least seven days have passed since symptoms first appeared. We know that with other coronaviruses, being infected confers some future immunity. However because COVID-19 is new and not yet fully understood, it’s impossible to know with any certainty if individuals can become re-infected at some future point with this particular coronavirus strain. Hope that is helpful.
– Julie
why and how is death rate more in males than females?…just curious to know. Thanks!
How do I know phone call is from bcbs
Got scam call from blue cross
They said call FTC
They are investigating
I received a $60 bill from a Walk-in clinic where I was swabbed for Covid. I did test positive . My understanding is that all fees are supposed to be waived. Please advise. Thank you.
Hi Carrie,
We’d be happy to help answer any questions you have. If you could provide us with some additional information at this link, a member of our team will reach out to you directly.
Telemedicine is making a very positive contribution to healthcare during this pandemic, and is being used in a variety of ways. Thanks for sharing. Visit www.patientmd.com
Stay home
https://bit.ly/2ThHZzV
Good Morning,
I have read/heard that BCBS-MI is providing Senior Support. My husband and I are BCBS-MI Medicare Advantage members and Seniors. How do we apply for Senior Support? Thank you,
Hi DJ, These programs are currently available to Medicare Advantage members. Meal deliveries are provided to specific members who have been identified as being socially isolated with a chronic condition. To see if you qualify for this program, please call the number on the back of your card. Thank you, Julie
I’ve seen a quickly presented message on bottom of TV screen explaining amount of times virus will live on various items, especially purchased ones, like plastic bags, cardboard boxes(cereal enclosed), xzclothing, skin, in air after a cough or sneeze. Would like to see time length.
Hi Beverly, There is some information on how long the coronavirus lives on surfaces in this blog. https://www.mibluesperspectives.com/2020/04/17/safe-surface-disinfection-tips-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
Hope it helps! – Julie
Hello… I was told that BCBS is offering such items as masks, thermometers, etc for members who qualify. Im trying to reach the area that I need to contact for that info.
Thanks
These programs are currently available to Medicare Advantage members. To see if you qualify for this program, please call the number on the back of your card. Let us know if you have further questions!