Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) has taken steps to help our members stay healthy and get the care they need.
The COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) ended on May 11, 2023, changing requirements for COVID-19-related coverage.
We remain committed to ensuring our members have access to care, and that care remains as affordable as possible.
Effective May 12, 2023, vaccines, tests and the costs associated with administering these services will be covered based on each member's individual benefits1.
Current COVID-19 Coverage
The COVID-19 vaccine is available at no cost to all members when administered by an in-network provider
COVID-19 testing and treatment are now covered based on each member's health plan. Login to Blue Connect or call the number on the back of your member ID card to learn more
Telehealth services for behavioral health, primary care and outpatient visits are covered based on our current telehealth policy
COVID-19 Testing
Effective May 12, 2023, COVID-19 tests that are administered by a provider, consistent with CDC guidance and cleared, approved or given EUA by the FDA are covered based on each individual’s insurance plan, and members may be responsible for a portion of their costs to include copayments, coinsurance and deductible amounts.
- Commercial members can purchase over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests with their health flexible spending arrangements (health FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), or Archer medical savings accounts (Archer MSAs).
- Eligible Medicare Advantage members may use an OTC card to purchase OTC COVID-19 tests.
- Medicaid will continue to cover the cost of all FDA-approved COVID-19 tests, including home tests, with no member cost-share for Healthy Blue members through September 30, 2024.
- If members receive a COVID-19 test at an out-of-network provider, providers may balance bill patients for any amount not covered by their health plan.
COVID-19 Vaccines:
According to NCDHHS, vaccines are proven to help prevent COVID-19 and are effective in preventing hospitalization, and death. Vaccines are based on years of research and are safe and effective. They are an important tool to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and we encourage everyone, age 6 months and older, to get vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccines that are FDA approved, including for emergency use authorization (EUA), are covered 100% when members receive the COVID-19 vaccine at an in-network provider.
If members receive the COVID-19 vaccine at an out-of-network provider, they may be responsible for the cost of the vaccine and/or vaccine administration based on their individual preventive care benefits.
Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Not a North Carolina resident?
Your state may have different vaccine information available. You can use the tool below to find your state health department's COVID-19 resources and appointments in your state.
Looking for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster for someone who is at home because of limited mobility? You can find at-home providers here.
COVID-19 Treatment
COVID-19 treatments are covered based on each individual’s insurance plan. Members may be responsible for a portion of their treatment costs, including copayments, coinsurance and deductible amounts.
The CDC encourages everyone to contact a health care provider right away to determine treatment eligibility, even if symptoms are mild.
Find out where you can get treatment in North Carolina here.
Beyond North Carolina, the Department of Health and Human Services has a tool to find treatment available near you.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19 treatment, the CDC is the best resource.
COVID-19 Resources
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) COVID-19 Information
Testing
- Find a COVID-19 Test in North Carolina
- Testing Locations Beyond North Carolina
- At-Home Testing Information (Spanish)
Vaccines
- Find a COVID-19 Vaccine in North Carolina
- COVID-19 Vaccines Beyond North Carolina
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Vaccine Guidance
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Vaccine Information
Treatment
Community Support
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we jumped into action. We leveraged our expertise and collaborated with community partners to offer help, support, and guidance to all those we serve. Our communities’ needs have evolved since then and we have kept up to keep our communities safe, healthy and thriving amid these changing times.
COVID-19 has impacted all our lives in ways we never could have imagined - and our communities are our top priority.
Support During COVID-19:
Dial 211, the North Carolina COVID-19 Crisis Hotline, to get access to:
- Financial assistance and education
- Food and nutrition resources
- Childcare, and more
Online Resources:
- Find free clinics in your area for COVID-19 testing and health care needs for those who are uninsured
- Feeding the Carolinas connects you with food banks in your neighborhood
Behavioral Health Resources:
- Shatterproof2 Find an addiction and substance use disorder treatment facility for you or a loved one
- Crisis Text Line3 Provides free, 24/7 support via text message. Text HOME to 741741.
- Suicide Prevention Hotline4 1-800-273-8255
Some ways we work to provide safety, security and well-being include:
Personal Stories from Your Neighbors
You have a spot. Get your shot.
Like so many of your neighbors already have. Learn why they chose to get vaccinated through their personal stories below.
“There is a before and after COVID for me. I was infected by COVID, and it was some of the worst days of my life. As a single mother, I could not take care of myself and my five children. I had to separate from them for more than a month, and being the pillar of my home, I can’t go through the same thing again. I need to be healthy to provide what is necessary for them."
- Mary, Raleigh
“My aunt is a high-risk person, and she’s worked so hard as a school custodian throughout the entire pandemic, so I’ve been worried about her. I’m a high school teacher and am around kids all day, so there’s this fear of me having COVID-19 and not knowing it and spreading it to her or to one of the kids.”
- Terrance, Apex
“I think it’s sort of a public health duty to get the vaccine. It’s less about me personally and more about others who are more vulnerable. I want to be free to spend time with people that I love and not be anxious about it. I want my family to feel comfortable visiting. They usually come a couple times a year, but they didn’t this past year.”
- Anne, Apex
Blue Connect