A COVID-19 update for senior members of our community | hioscar Blog | Oscar
A COVID-19 update for senior members of our community
We know this a time of uncertainty, and we’re here to help give you peace of mind and offer our support.
Medicare AdvantageMedicare
4 min read
Share article
We care about the health and safety of all our members, especially older Americans who are most vulnerable right now. In this time of uncertainty, we’re here to help give you peace of mind and offer support.
What you should know
If you’re at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 because of your age or a serious medical condition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that you stay home as much as possible to reduce your risk of exposure. Here are some other important things to do:
Keep space between yourself and others. This is known as “social distancing.” In public, limit close contact. Avoid crowds (opens in new tab) when possible, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, where air circulation is limited and people could be sick. Feeling lonely? Try video chat applications such as FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, and Skype, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones safely and easily. (If you’re unfamiliar with these apps, have a tech-savvy friend, neighbor, or family member set you up.)
Avoid high-touch surfaces in public places. That includes elevator buttons, door handles, subway poles, and handrails. Use a napkin or tissue to cover your fingers when touching something, then dispose of it. Do not touch your face. And if you can, carry around hand sanitizer while you’re out and about.
Wash your hands often. Do it throughout the day, and according to CDC guidelines (opens in new tab). The five steps are Wet, Lather, Scrub (for at least 20 seconds), Rinse, and Dry. Washing hands with soap and water is generally the best way to get rid of germs. When soap and water aren’t readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Take stock of supplies to take care of yourself. Check to make sure that you have at least a 30-day supply of over-the-counter and prescription medicines—this is critical—including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, vitamins, and fluids with electrolytes. If you need to obtain an additional supply of medications, contact your health care provider or consider using a mail-order option. And be sure to stock up on a few weeks’ worth of nonperishable food staples (including pasta and canned and frozen foods); essential household items such as laundry detergent, toothpaste, soap, paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper; as well as any pet needs (food, litter, and so on).
How Oscar can help
As always, we’re here to take care of you. If you’re affected by COVID-19, rest assured that your coverage provides you with a number of useful benefits.
Your Oscar telemedicine service, known as Virtual Urgent Care (opens in new tab), can be a good first step If you feel sick and are worried that it might be COVID-19. This “virtual check-in” allows you to talk to a board-certified doctor for $0, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There’s no trip to a doctor’s office and no copay—and if needed, you can get a new prescription or refill. If you're concerned about illness and are potentially contagious, this is a great way to remain at home and avoid exposure.
If you need to be tested for COVID-19, you won’t be charged for the lab test. You won’t pay any out-of-pocket costs.
You’re covered for all medically necessary hospitalizations. For instance, if you're diagnosed with COVID-19 and might otherwise have been discharged from the hospital after an inpatient stay, but instead you have to stay in the hospital under quarantine. (Normal cost-sharing will apply for other aspects of the visit in most states.)
Please take this quick survey (opens in new tab) – even if you don't have symptoms now – to help estimate your risk and receive a personalized recommendation on taking care of yourself and your loved ones.
Our mission is to give you peace of mind with a health care experience defined by affordability, accessibility, and ease—even more in challenging times. We’re here to take care of you and help you take better care of yourself.
You can check out this resource (opens in new tab) with the latest information about COVID-19, which we’ll continue to update.
Got questions? Check in with your Oscar Concierge Team through your web or mobile account, or call them at 1-855-672-2720 (TTY 711).
