Medical insurance during the crisis: what to do to those who have lost their jobs and got sick COVID-19

The notorious coronavirus 2019-nCoV, which causes the disease COVID-19, has been deadly to humans. A side effect of the pandemic was serious economic problems. Measures to prevent the spread of the virus in many cases led to the closure of a large number of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as to partial job cuts in large enterprises.

Photo: Shutterstock

As a result, many years of job growth has given way to a sharp increase in unemployment.

In American reality, losing a job is not only a reduction in the family budget. In many cases, this is also associated with the loss of health insurance for all family members. This situation is possible both in the case when the employer provided medical coverage, and when the closure of the business deprived his employee of the opportunity to pay insurance premiums on self-acquired insurance due to a decrease in income. And now add to this not only the threat of getting COVID-19, but also the presence of any other reasons that may require medical attention.

On the subject: 'Worst Ahead': US Treasury Head Expects Further Unemployment Rise

In the current conditions, the ability to timely receive high-quality, professional and affordable medical care is vital. It can be provided by various insurance companies. Each of them has its own approach to solving problems. The largest health insurance company in New York deserves special attention in this regard. Fidelis care, which has developed several programs for people who for one reason or another have lost insurance.

Fidelis Care develops three main lines of support for its customers and those affected by the crisis.

For those who have lost their jobs

Fidelis Care Health Insurance has announced an extension of the enrollement period for people who have lost insurance due to termination of employment. Previously, you could apply for a new policy only within two months after losing your job, now this period increased. Fidelis Care approaches each client’s situation individually, trying to find the most suitable option for him.

New Yorkers who have lost their jobs or part of their income, Fidelis Care offers assistance in drawing up such health insurance plans:

• Medicaid Managed Care;
• Essential Plan
• Child Health Plus;
• Qualified Health Plan.

Details for each of these plans are - here.

Now the company provides an opportunity to get advice and arrange insurance over the phone. For this, Fidelis Care has developed series of videosthat provide useful information about all stages of the remote registration of health insurance.

For example, this video tells about making a policy by phone.

In order for the procedure for obtaining medical insurance by phone to go quickly, you need to prepare the following documents before calling:

• Proof of citizenship / immigration status;
• Identification;
• Social Security Card Number;
• Proof of income.

On the subject: Crisis and Immigrants: Does Unemployment Benefit Affect Green Card and US Citizenship

Photo: Shutterstock

To comply with quarantine and social distance

Even if you have good health insurance, it’s better not to get sick. therefore Fidelis care insists that its customers comply with quarantine measures and tries to make this mode as convenient as possible for them. Such measures include:

1. Auto-renewal for four months of insurance for Medicaid, HARP and Child Health Plus memberswho had to renew their coverage during quarantine. Stay at home and don’t worry - your insurance will be extended without the need to break self-isolation.

2. Enhanced access to telehealth services, including virtual visits to doctors at no cost. Telemedicine plays an important role in increasing people's access to health care at this critical time. It not only helps to comply with quarantine, but also saves time and is a very convenient way to get medical advice. Fidelis Care customers can use the app teledoc is a new online tool for 24/7 access to New York State board certified and licensed physicians.

For patients with COVID-19

If you are already insured in Fidelis care, then the company took care of your health and family budget. The organization’s customers can temporarily cancel the costs associated with COVID-19. This includes examinations, testing and treatment of patients. Cancellation applies to copayment, coinsurance and deductibles, which significantly reduces the cost of receiving medical care by the company's customers in case of coronavirus infection.

The benefits package for people diagnosed with COVID-19 can be found here.

To find out more about all of these programs and offers, call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547)teletype: 711or visit the website fideliscare.org.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Technology vs health: how to effectively control the use of electronic devices by children

Three important things that people who are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid should know at the same time

Secrets of longevity of Americans: how to accustom themselves to physical activity

4 Essential Criteria to Consider When Choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.