March 25, 2020

This notice is being distributed from Northwest Administrators to all Washington Teamsters Welfare Trust participants, laying out the actions they have taken so far in response to COVID-19. Take a look at the PDF here.

Here is the text of the memo:

March 2020
MEMORANDUM
TO: Plan Participants
FROM: Trust Administrative Office
RE: COVID-19 Response

The situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve quickly. The Trustees of the Washington Teamsters Welfare Trust are actively monitoring developments and working to appropriately respond to support the health coverage needs of families covered under the Trust. Below is a summary of actions taken to date to assist you during this unprecedented time.

Extension of Coverage for Impacted Families
The Trustees are pleased to announce a temporary Extension of Coverage provision during the COVID-19 crisis. The Extension of Coverage will provide up to 3 months of coverage to any participant who is terminated, laid off or has their hours reduced below the monthly threshold beginning March 2020, at no cost to the impacted participant or their employer. (See the enclosed Summary of Material Modifications.)

Expansion of Coverage for Telehealth and Virtual Care
Effective March 1, 2020, the Trustees are pleased to announce the addition of coverage for telemedicine and virtual care as outlined on the enclosed Summary of Material Modifications. These services are covered as an office visit and subject to the applicable copay or coinsurance depending on whether the services are provided by a Premera PPO provider or a non-PPO provider.

Teladoc continues to be available at no cost to you and covered family members. Teladoc offers secure, on-demand, around-the-clock access to board-certified physicians – from home, work, or wherever you may be. To request either a telephone or video consultation visit teladoc.com/premera and set up or log into your account, or call (855) 332-4059.

COVID-19 Testing
As previously announced, coverage for COVID-19 testing has been temporarily modified to waive any out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 testing for both PPO and non-PPO providers. This would include both the cost of the test as well as office visits or other provider charges related to the testing. In addition, any prior authorization requirement for treatment or testing of COVID-19 has been suspended. Please note: Treatment of COVID-19 would still be subject to applicable cost sharing and PPO/non-PPO benefits depending on the provider’s status.

One-time Early Pharmacy Refills
In addition, the Trust will allow a one-time early refill on prescriptions drugs. (The early refill allowance would not apply to certain controlled substances.) Early refills of medication help to ensure you have a supply of your medication when needed and reduces the number of visits you make to the pharmacy.
If you have any questions about these changes or any other benefits, please contact the Trust Administrative Office at (800) 458-3053.