COVID-19 Resources
CDC Loosens Mask-wearing Guidance for Most of U.S. Population
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced updates to its mask-wearing recommendations, loosening guidance for a majority of the U.S. population. The CDC provides COVID-19 Community Levels as a tool to help communities decide what prevention steps…
How to Get Your Free At-home COVID-19 Tests
If you participate in a health plan—through your employer or otherwise—you are likely eligible for free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for home use. Details vary by plan, but here are basics about this cost-saving opportunity: Tests—In many instances, insurance companies are…
Agencies Issue Guidance on Coverage of OTC COVID-19 Tests
On Jan. 10, 2022, the Depts. of Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury issued FAQ guidance regarding the requirements for group health plans and health insurance issuers to cover over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 diagnostic tests. At-home COVID-19 tests…
FDA Expands Use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
On Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, authorizing a booster shot for children ages 12-15. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is currently the only primary vaccination series…
CDC Recommends Shorter COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine
On Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reduced its recommended periods for COVID-19 isolation (confirmed COVID-19 infection) and quarantine (potential COVID-19 exposure). Asymptomatic individuals infected with COVID-19 have been told to isolate for five…
President Biden Announces Plan to Combat COVID-19 in Winter Months
On Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, President Joe Biden spoke at a press conference where he outlined a multiprong approach to combat COVID-19 this winter. The plan is described as having the following goals: Drafting a rule that requires private insurers…