The following is applicable to members of the League's Health Benefits Trust. If you are self-insured or have employee group health insurance through another commercial carrier, please contact your health benefits administrator directly.
Notice of Fee Waivers
Announced March 19, 2020
The North Carolina League of Municipalities’ (NCLM) Health Benefit Trust is implementing several changes as part of our response to COVID-19. We hope these changes will help control costs for employees and provide more flexible treatment options in keeping with recent social distancing guidelines.
Effective immediately, the following measures have been implemented for all HBT members and their employees:
Waiving of all fees, including copays and deductibles, when using Teladoc for COVID-19 related symptoms. This includes members under High Deductible Health Plans. Teladoc allows employees to skip the waiting rooms and still see a licensed North Carolina physician.
Waiving copays and deductibles, for appointments with primary care physicians or urgent care facilities for COVID-19 related symptoms.
Waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications (consistent with a member’s benefit plan) and/or encouraging members to use their 90-day mail order benefit to increase access for prescription medication.
These changes will remain in place until the State of North Carolina lifts the State of Emergency declaration related to the COVID-19 response.
Contact MedCost customer service at 1-800-795-1023 if your primary care or urgent care physician has any questions about these waivers.
These efforts are meant to encourage social distancing and accessing more convenient and affordable healthcare coverage. We encourage employees to avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room.
The healthcare industry is asking everyone to work with their primary care physicians first unless you have an emergency. Everyone plays a part in preventing our hospitals from being overwhelmed by non-emergency cases, like patients who have common cold or flu symptoms with no other risk factors or complications. Avoiding the ER also reduces the risk for increased exposure to COVID-19 in crowded waiting rooms.
COVID-19 Testing | The criteria on who should be tested is determined by your primary care physician or through the Teledoc service. Test kits are free but not readily available. The CDC has provided testing recommendations on its website.
Steps to Take Now | Encourage employees to be prepared to use Teladoc by setting up an account now. Teladoc is accessible via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, online at www.teladoc.com, or at or 1-800-Teladoc. This printable flyer can be placed in workplaces or emailed to staff working at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my doctor's office tries to charge me the full copay?
Contact MedCost customer service at 1-800-795-1023 if your primary care or urgent care physician has any questions about these waivers.
How can I access Teladoc services?
Teladoc is accessible via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, online at www.teladoc.com, or at or 1-800-Teladoc. We encourage all municipal employees who have insurance with the HBT, to set up their Teladoc account NOW before it is needed.
How long will the waiver be in place?
Until the State of North Carolina lifts its state of emergency declaration related to COVID-19.
Where can I learn about COVID-19 testing?
While tests are not in plentiful availability as of this writing, the CDC has testing recommendations on its website.
