member care coronavirus (covid-19) information

Medicare Members:
Resources for COVID-19

Your health is more important than ever — and it's our privilege to help keep it that way. Learn how Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan can help you safely get care and connect with others.

Choose a care option

COVID-19. Protect yourself. Prevent the spread.

Get vaccinated and at no cost. The vaccines are effective at protecting you against the Delta variant and others. See our Vaccine FAQs or press release to learn more.

Health care for your body and mind

Online doctor visits

There are two ways to safely and easily see a doctor from home. And both are $0 for our Medicare Advantage members.* All you need is a smartphone, tablet or computer.

Primary care doctor: Your doctor may offer online visits. If you don't have a primary doctor, you can use your online account to find one who accepts your plan.log in to find a doctor

Blue Cross Online Visits℠: Use this service to see a doctor day or night. You don't need an appointment—just sign up and start a visit. This video will show you how it works or you can check out this step-by-step guide.start an online visit

Be sure to include your subscriber ID, also known as enrollee ID, when you sign up so your coverage applies correctly. It's on the front of your Blue Cross ID card.

*State of Michigan and Michigan Public School Retirees: This page offers helpful resources but should not be a substitute for what your specific plan covers. Please refer to either bcbsm.com/som or bcbsm.com/mpsers for your benefits related to COVID-19. Medicare Supplement members: If you’ve purchased a Medicare Supplement plan outside of an employer, please log in to see your out-of-pocket costs. Blue Cross Online Visits is currently not available with a Medicare Supplement plan.

24-Hour Nurse Line

Speaking with a registered nurse is easier than you may think. Nurses are available around the clock and just a phone call away. Reach out any time you have questions about the coronavirus, or need medical advice. This option is free for all members.

Wondering who's answering the phone? Read about one of our experienced nurses.

We suggest saving the nurse line number in your phone so it's there when you need it:
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage members (PPO), call 1-800-775-BLUE (2583).
Blue Care Network Medicare Advantage members (HMO and HMO-POS), call 1-855-624-5214.
Blue Cross Medicare supplement members, call 1-844-278-6316.
TTY users, call 711.

COVID-19 Testing Options

There are two at-home test options:

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or Part B coverage you can use your Medicare card to receive up to eight at-home COVID-19 tests per month at no charge from participating pharmacies.

Find participating pharmacies
Testing locations:

You can also find a testing location by talking to your doctor. Or, you can use the COVID-19 Test Finder, even if you live outside of Michigan.

COVID-19 Test Finder

All about
preventive care

From checkups and screenings to reducing your COVID-19 risk, you’re in control.

Preventive checkups and screenings

Staying on top of recommended checkups and screenings is critical to maintaining good health. That might mean going into your doctor’s office to be seen. To keep you healthy, in-person primary care visits are $0 for our Medicare Advantage members.*

You can rest assured, health care providers are taking steps to make sure you're safe when you arrive. And you can take steps at home to make sure you’re safe, too. Learn more by checking out these resources.

Staying safe at the doctor's officeRead more
Getting preventive care during COVID-19Read more

Don't have a primary care doctor yet? We can help you find one.

log in to find a doctor *State of Michigan and Michigan Public School Retirees: This page offers helpful resources but should not be a substitute for what your specific plan covers. Please refer to either bcbsm.com/som or bcbsm.com/mpsers for your benefits related to COVID-19. Medicare Supplement members: If you’ve purchased a Medicare Supplement plan outside of an employer, please log in to see your out-of-pocket costs. Blue Cross Online Visits is currently not available with a Medicare Supplement plan.

COVID-19 prevention

Did you know around 40% of COVID-19 transmission happens before people have symptoms?* But there are things you can do to keep yourself and others safe.

  • Keep washing your hands.
    Hand-washing reduces respiratory illnesses up to 21%.* Watch this video tutorial.
  • Keep wearing your face mask.
    A mask or face covering can reduce your risk of COVID-19 infection by up to 85%.**
  • Keep social distancing.
    Thirty-eight studies have proved that physically distancing from others reduces infection rates.†
  • Keep disinfecting surfaces.
    Wiping down high-touch surfaces with disinfectants that kill COVID-19 is key to protecting your health. Watch this video for more information.

Wondering about a COVID-19 vaccine? At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, we have information to share. Learn more by reading our Vaccine FAQs.

*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. **Source: Trish Greenhalgh, professor of Primary Care Health Services at the University of Oxford in an interview with CNN. †Source: Medical News Today article.

Your mental health
is important, too.

Although nothing is quite like a hug from your grandchild or dinner with a friend, staying connected while social distancing is still possible. And for those times when you need a little extra help, you have access to a variety of support services.

See mental health info

Guidance on prescription drugs

If you have pharmacy coverage with us, you can get the prescription drugs you need.

Refills and alternatives

We're waiving refill limits on 30-day maintenance medications, so you can get them sooner. These are medications that you take every day for long-term conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure. Just keep in mind—they don’t include opioids.

If your medication isn't available because of a shortage, you can get an alternative at no extra cost.

Watch this video from Chuck Gaidica to learn more.

Mail-order prescriptions

If you need a medication to maintain your health, a 90-day mail-order prescription might be the right choice. Your plan gives you access to this service. And it's an easy way to make sure you have enough medication on hand, so you don't run out.

how to get started
All other Medicare Advantage members:
Log in to your online account and select order online in the prescription section.
Or, you can call 1-855-810-0007. TTY users can call 711.
You can also ask your pharmacy to transfer a prescription to mail order.
Please note that some controlled substances may have limits on the daily supply.
National Alliance for Caregiving
COVID-19 resources for you and your family Caregiving info
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Caring for the elderly during COVID-19 Make a plan
Archangels
Caregiver resources from ARCHANGELS View toolkits
A Healthier Michigan
Caregiving strategies during the coronavirus Coping tips

We're here for you

If you need special assistance, please give us a call. You can reach us at the number listed on the back of your Blue Cross ID card. Our customer service representatives are here to help.

Job loss and your health plan

Lost your job due to COVID-19? We may be able to help you continue your coverage or move into a new plan. We can also see if you qualify for subsidies.

Contact us
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage members (PPO), call 1-888-803-4960.
BCN Medicare Advantage members (HMO and HMO-POS), call 1-800-431-1059.
TYY users can call 711.

Discounts and assistance

Hear stories from other seniors

We're committed to making things easier for you in your everyday life. Learn more about how seniors like you are using our services to stay on top of their health and well-being.

Check your symptoms and risk for COVID-19

People who are 65 or older or have an underlying medical conditions might be at a higher risk.

Frequently
asked questions

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Page Last Updated Sun Jan 01 00:33:08 EST 2023