I’m writing today to share important updates to our benefits in response to COVID-19. We’re making changes to expand access to care, eliminate certain out-of-pocket expenses and offer guidance and support to our participants.
To ensure our participants get the care they need, Empire has updated its COVID-19 coverage as per the Funds request.
With the declaration of a national emergency, IATSE National Health & Welfare Fund is offering the following COVID-19 coverage for testing and medical care to our participants:
- Testing and care benefits: Waive the participants cost share; including copays, coinsurance and deductibles, for diagnostic testing related to COVID-19, as well as for the in-network visit associated with COVID-19 testing, whether it takes place at a doctor’s office, urgent care center or emergency department.
- If an in-network provider isn’t available, we’ll work with participants to make sure they’re covered.
- Telehealth: We recommend our participants use telehealth when possible to help prevent the spread of infection and improve access to care. Empire’s telehealth provider, LiveHealth Online, is a safe and effective way for participants to receive medical guidance related to COVID-19 from their homes using a smartphone, tablet or computer with a web cam. To promote the use of telehealth services, we are waiving our participants cost shares for LiveHealth Online visits and provider telehealth visits for next 90 days.
In this challenging and uncertain time, we’re dedicated to helping our participants and the health of our communities, and Empire is working hard to remove barriers to accessing the care our participants need.
Sincerely,
Anne J. Zeisler
Executive Director
IATSE National Benefit Funds