National emergency special enrollment period available for individual and family plans

Have you lost health insurance coverage due to COVID-19? Were you previously prevented from obtaining health insurance through a special enrollment period (SEP) on HealthCare.gov because of COVID-19 – including if you or a family member was sick with the virus? You may qualify for the national emergency SEP. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency, which will allow people in Wisconsin access to this SEP. If you lost your employer-sponsored coverage, you may be able to obtain health insurance that is more affordable than using a health insurance extension from your employer under the federal COBRA provision. You may also be eligible for free or low-cost coverage through BadgerCare.

Additional information about this SEP can be found here.

To see if you qualify and can obtain coverage get started at www.HealthCare.gov.

To learn more about special enrollment periods go to www.securityhealth.org/SEP.

We’ve got you covered

Security Health Plan will cover many testing, testing-related and treatment services related with COVID-19. Please find your plan in the left column of the table below to see what benefits are included with your plan. If you have any questions call the number on the back of your ID card or our general Customer Service line at 1-800-472-2363.

Security Health Plan members who need to get care from an out-of-network provider during the COVID-19 health emergency should contact a Security Health Plan Nurse Navigator at 1-800-472-2363.

*The expanded list of services available via telehealth includes, but is not limited to behavioral health, office visits/consultations, care management and outpatient therapy.

** The COVID vaccine and its administration are covered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2020 and 2021. Providers will submit claims directly to Medicare.

Practice social distancing: Please call for service

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we have closed our building to visitors until further notice. For quick, personalized service please call or use our online services:

• Customer Service by phone: call the number on the back of your ID card or our general Customer Service line at 1-800-472-2363.
• Sales by phone: 1-844-679-9733
• Online: www.securityhealth.org. If you are a member, be sure to log in for the most personalized experience, or to chat with an agent.

Protect yourself and your information from scammers

There have been reports of people trying to use the fear of COVID-19 to run scams. Some of these scams are over the phone, via email and others are in the home. These scams include promises of in-home testing for COVID-19 or to mail you an at-home test for the virus. These are not legitimate. If you do not know a caller or are unable to verify the call is legitimate, do not provide your personal information. Do not open your home to strangers. If you think you may have been scammed, report your experience by calling the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection at 1-800-422-7128 or online at www.DATCP.WI.gov.

Prevention, testing and treatment questions

How can I protect myself from getting sick?

• COVID-19 spreads when you touch surfaces that have the virus on them, or via droplets from coughs or sneezes.
• The best way to protect yourself and others from a number of illnesses, including COVID-19, is to wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when you are sick. Click here for more tips on how to protect yourself from COVID-19.

Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19?

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses; they only work on bacterial infections. Antibiotics do not prevent or treat coronavirus disease (COVID-19), because COVID-19 is caused by a virus, not bacteria. Some patients with COVID-19 may also develop a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia. In that case, a health care professional may treat the bacterial infection with an antibiotic.

Is the chloroquine phosphate used to treat disease in aquarium fish the same as the chloroquine phosphate that FDA has issued an emergency use authorization for as a COVID-19 treatment for humans?

No, products marketed for veterinary use, “for research only,” or otherwise not for human consumption have not been evaluated for safety and should never be used by humans. You should not take any form of chloroquine unless it has been prescribed to you by a licensed health care provider. Chloroquine products also should not be given to pets or livestock, unless prescribed by a veterinarian. 

What phone number can I call for advice on whether I should be seen?

• If you or a family member feels ill, call the 24-hour Nurse Line/Care My Way to get advice on whether you should receive the COVID-19 test or be seen at a health care facility.
• Most Security Health Plan members have unlimited access to these services for free.
• The number for Security Health Plan members is: 1-800-549-3174. Or download the Care My Way mobile app today. Click here to get started.
• Marshfield Clinic Health System offers a COVID-19 Helpline to answer general information about the coronavirus, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Helpline number is 1-877-998-0880.

Where can I go to get tested?

• Call the 24-hour Nurse Line for advice on whether you should be tested. The number for Security Health Plan members is: 1-800-549-3174. Or download the Care My Way mobile app today. Click here to get started.
  • Most Security Health Plan members have unlimited access to these services for free.
• The COVID-19 test may be limited in supply and locations. In addition, health facilities may become extremely busy, and you may have long waits for care. Avoid going to the doctor unless advised to do so by the Nurse Line or Care My Way.

Where can I go for treatment?

• Before going in for a COVID-19 test or treatment, it is best to call the 24-hour Nurse Line or Care My Way to get advice. They can check your symptoms by phone or mobile app. Most Security Health Plan members have unlimited access to these services for free. The phone number for Security Health Plan members to reach these services is 1-800-549-3174. Or download the Care My Way mobile app today. Click here to get started.
• Nurse Line or Care My Way can direct you to the most appropriate place of care based on your symptoms and the capacity of medical staff to treat your illness.

How much will it cost me to get testing/treatment?

• See the table above for details on testing and treatment coverage based on your plan type.

If I have COVID-19, can I infect my pet? Can I get COVID-19 from my pet?

People sick with COVID-19 should limit contact with everyone  –   including animals. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets. Global health organizations are monitoring the outbreak’s potential impact on animal health and will notify the public if new information becomes available.

My doctor’s office has cancelled my appointments, what do I do if I need to see my doctor?

• You may be able to have a doctor visit using telehealth technology. Any services that are covered by Security Health Plan will be covered if done via a virtual visit for any members of Security Health Plan.
• Contact your provider’s office to ask if a telehealth appointment is an option for you.

What is telehealth?

• Telehealth is an appointment with your health care provider done virtually. These appointments are done over a secure two-way interactive video connection or telephonically. Click here to read a little more about this option.
• Learn more about telehealth from services from Marshfield Clinic Health System here.

Pharmaceutical questions

I have seen /heard that some insurances are allowing early refills on medications due to COVID and recommendations to avoid crowds and stay home. May I have an early refill on my medication?

• You may obtain a one-time early refill supply for each medication for the maximum quantity defined in your plan benefits. We are continuously monitoring the COVID situation and will re-evaluate if further quantities or early refills may be necessary as the situation evolves.
• All of Security Health Plan’s individual and family plans, employer coverage and Medicare plan with Part D prescription drug coverage allow up to a 90-day supply for chronic maintenance medications. All specialty medications are limited to a one-month supply.

I am at increased risk for COVID due to age (elderly), immunocompromised, or chronic health condition (examples include lung disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease such as congestive heart failure, uncontrolled diabetes), should I go in to the pharmacy to pick up my prescriptions?

• Our recommendation is to avoid situations in which there may be large crowds to reduce your risk of potential exposure to the virus. We suggest that you contact your pharmacy to request your medication be delivered via mail. If your pharmacy does not mail, Marshfield Clinic Pharmacies can obtain your prescription and mail your refill to your home address. Please call (or transfer caller to) 715-389-5900.Please allow at least 7 days for your package to arrive.
• You may also use our contracted mail order pharmacy at MedImpact Direct. Information can be accessed here: https://www.securityhealth.org/providers/tools-and-resources/pharmacy-resources or members can phone (855) 873-8739 (TTY dial 711).

I am planning on traveling for vacation and want to be sure that I have enough medication for vacation plus extra in case of a quarantine situation.  Can I obtain an early refill?

• All of Security Health Plan’s individual and family plans, employer coverage and Medicare plan with Part D prescription drug coverage allow up to a 90-day supply for chronic maintenance medications. All specialty medications are limited to a one-month supply.

Will I be allowed more than a 30- or 90-day supply on refills? (Members are asking for up to 6 months supply of medications)

• All of Security Health Plan’s individual and family plans, employer coverage and Medicare plan with Part D prescription drug coverage allow up to a 90-day supply for chronic maintenance medications. All specialty medications are limited to a one-month supply. All Schedule II controlled substances are limited to 34-day supply per federal law.   Marketplace plans are now also eligible for a 90-day supply.   All specialty medications are limited to a one-month supply.

Will there be a drug shortage because many medications come from overseas (China)?

• There are some drugs that are in short supply. Pharmacies may reduce or limit quantities to conserve access to medication for all. As the COVID situation evolves, adjustments will continue to be made to operations in order to accommodate changes in drug supplies.

Are the drugs imported from overseas contaminated?

• Drugs imported from overseas are required to meet the high quality standards of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in order to be sold within the US. The FDA protects public health by ensuring drugs imported to the US meet FDA standards for quality, safety and effectiveness.

Is there a shortage of acetaminophen (Tylenol® and ibuprofen (Advil®)?

• We are hearing some stores may temporarily not have stock of acetaminophen (Tylenol®) and ibuprofen (Advil®) due to increase demands from health systems and patients. However, there is still stock available (though sometimes low and/or intermittent) for stores to purchase at this time.
• Some wholesalers have now implemented limits on the number of bottles of pain medicines that can be purchased by the pharmacy or store to avoid hoarding.
• Some stores and pharmacies have also placed limits on how many bottles of these pain relievers are allowed to be bought at one time, to help ration the supply available.

What do consumers need to know?

• Consumers need to take inventory of what medicines they have at home.
• Please do not buy OTC pain relievers out of impulse or in excessive amounts during this time. This then makes the products less available to people who do not have any at home and need them for such things as chronic pain or fever.

What are alternative pain treatment options if needed?

• If individuals are seeking alternative OTC options for pain and achy joints, consider topical products (e.g., creams, patches) such as capsaicin, lidocaine, and menthol which are available under various brand names. Naproxen is a similar medicine to ibuprofen and can be used as an alternative to ibuprofen. Please read and follow the directions on the product labeling carefully and reach out to your health care provider or pharmacist if you have any questions on their use.
• You may also consider alternative options to medicines, such as hot (e.g., heating pads) or cold therapy (ice packs) for relief during this time. If you do use a heating pad be sure NOT to place the heating pad over a medicated patch or medicated topicals (e.g., creams, ointments) as this may increase the risk of adverse events associated with the medicated patch or topical.

Should I stop taking my ACE/ARB medication?

• There is a theoretical concern that ACE inhibitors might increase the chances of severe COVID19 infections, however there is NOT any current evidence that confirms this. Multiple experts and society position statements state that ACE inhibitors and ARBs should NOT be stopped or changed without a discussion with their doctor.

Should NSAIDs [e.g., ibuprofen (Advil®), naproxen (Aleve®)] be used as a treatment option for patient with symptoms of COVID-19?

• Currently, we have no evidence that NSAIDs increase the risk of serious complications or acquiring the virus that causes COVID-19.
• Available NSAIDs include (not all inclusive): celecoxib, diclofenac, etodolac, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, ketorolac, meloxicam, nabumetone, naproxen, oxaprozin, piroxicam
• NSAIDs can also have adverse kidney and GI effects particularly in patients who are older, have multiple comorbidities and/or are immunocompromised, which are the populations that are at highest risk for severe COVID-19 infection. In high risk patients, acetaminophen is commonly recommended as an alternative to treatment of fever.

Will the revocation of the emergency use authorization (EUA) impact the use of hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQ) or chloroquine phosphate (CQ) for their FDA-approved uses?

For further information on the FDA decision, click here.

Security will only accept orders for the over-the-counter (OTC) credit online

We will not accept any orders for the over-the-counter (OTC) credit through the mail or fax. All orders must be placed online.

• If you are the plan subscriber, or policy-holder, you can quickly place your next order through your My Security Health Plan account.
  • If you haven’t registered for an account, you can register here .
• We are limiting the order quantity of certain OTC items. Some products may be temporarily unavailable. We appreciate your understanding and patience and will do our best to fulfill your order as quickly as possible, although there may be a delay due to high demand.
• If you require further assistance, call the number on the back of your ID card or our general Customer Service line at 1-800-472-2363.

Last update: Jan. 12, 2021