Benefits

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Optima Health Update

Optima Health is helping our employees and our community reduce exposure to and improve identification of the coronavirus (COVID-19) through enhanced benefits.  As the outbreak continues to expand into neighboring regions, Optima Health will help members manage testing and treatment for the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. 

Optima Health will:  

  • Waive out-of-pocket member costs associated with COVID-19 diagnostic testing at any in-network lab locations for all commercial, Medicaid or Medicare Advantage members.
  • Offer telehealth visits free to members (i.e., no member co-pays or cost-share) for the next 90 days (through June 4) for in-network virtual care partners.


Optima Health also has a new landing page on their website dedicated to COVID-19 questions. You can access that here: https://www.optimahealth.com/members/updates/coronavirus.


For more information and updates on COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Members may also track the latest updates at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

Coronavirus vs. Flu vs. Allergies: What’s the Difference?

Difference in Symptoms

The novel coronavirus, named COVID-19, has been declared a pandemic of international concern by the World Health Organization.

With coronavirus, the flu and allergies all sharing similar symptoms, it can be confusing. Get educated on the different symptoms to look out for as well as ways you can help prevent the spread of germs.

Is it flu, coronavirus or allergies?

The flu is a common, contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. The latest coronavirus is a new infection that can cause mild to severe respiratory illness. 

Allergies are not a virus or infection but rather a hypersensitive immune system response to a certain substance.

What are the signs and symptoms of the flu, coronavirus and allergies?

Flu signs and symptoms usually show up about two days after exposure to the virus. They come on quickly and can include:

•    Fever/feeling feverish

•    Headache

•    Muscle and body aches

•    Feeling very tired (fatigue)

•    Cough

•    Sore throat

•    Runny or stuffy nose

Coronavirus signs and symptoms appear about 14 days after exposure to the virus and can include:

•    Fever

•    Cough

•    Difficulty breathing

•    Shortness of breath

Allergy symptoms can appear instantaneously with exposure to a substance. They include:

•    Sneezing

•    Itchy, runny or blocked nose

•    Itchy, red, watering eyes

•    Wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough