CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
COVID-19

COVID-19 INFORMATION

Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines

What You Need to Know:

As of September 12, 2023, the 2023–2024 updated Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were recommended by CDC for use in the United States.
The 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines more closely targets the XBB lineage of the Omicron variant and could restore protection against severe COVID-19 that may have decreased over time. 
In prior years COVID-19 vaccines were covered by the Federal Government. The end of the Public Health Emergency on May 11,. 2023 has changed the payment process.
The 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines are now fully covered by most AultCare health insurance plans at local pharmacies and in-network provider offices.
To get your updated COVID-19 vaccine, visit any in-network provider and present your AultCare card. Appointments may be required.

 

Resources:  Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC


COVID-19 Over-the-Counter Test Kit Updates

 

In response to the end of the COVID-19 Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE), the following changes will be made pertaining to COVID-19 Over-the-Counter (OTC) Test Kits.

 

Effective May 12, 2023, COVID-19 OTC test kits will no longer be covered by your medical or pharmacy healthcare plan. Members may still purchase OTC test kits at various locations at retail pricing. Check your healthcare plan for further information.

 

Please note: COVID-19 testing in an office or outpatient setting will be covered under the medical healthcare plan as a diagnostic service.

 

COVID-19, or coronavirus disease 2019, is an upper respiratory tract disease caused by one of the seven coronaviruses known to infect humans. It was first identified in humans in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. The virus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2. You can learn more about COVID-19 here.

This virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person-to-person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some viruses are highly contagious (like measles), while other viruses are less so. The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainable in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

Based upon available information to date, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:

• People aged 65 years and older
• People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility

• Other high-risk conditions could include:
  ○ People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  ○ People who have heart disease with complications
  ○ People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment
  ○ People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [(BMI)]≥40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk
  ○ People who are pregnant should be monitored since they are known to be at risk with a severe viral illness, however, to date data on COVID-19 has not shown an increased risk


Click here to reference the most up-to-date COVID-19 Toolkit regarding coverage and reimbursement of COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine administration, and more.

Available scientific studies all indicate the vaccines are safe and effective. However, each individual needs to make the decision of whether or not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine based on their own personal circumstances. This can be hard because of the large amount of available information regarding COVID-19. To help with this, we are providing the following information from the Ohio Department of Health about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Learn more here.

AultCare recommends utilizing the Vaccine Finder to identify the best vaccine location It can be found here.  There are many opportunities to receive the vaccine and you may choose the methods that’s best for you. You may also use this resource from the federal government: Vaccines.gov - FindCOVID-19 vaccine locations near you

The COVID-19 Vaccine is required to be covered by almost all AultCare plans. COVID-19 vaccines can be obtained through your local pharmacy or through an in-network healthcare provider at no cost for covered individuals. If your plan does not cover the cost of the vaccine, there are other resources available to receive a no-cost COVID-19 vaccine through partnerships with the CDC’s Bridge Access Program, your local health department or Federally Qualified Health Center. Information on the CDC’s Bridge Access Program can be found here: Bridge Access Program | CDC

The CDC recommends the following actions:

•   Wear a mask
•   Stay 6 feet apart
•   Avoid crowds
•   Wash your hands

cough, fever, shortness of breath icons

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.


COVID-19 is believed to spread mainly from person to person – between people who are in close contact (within 6 feet) with one another and through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

You can learn more about the symptoms of COVID-19 here.

call your doctor icon with mobile phoneCall a healthcare professional, such as your Primary Care Physician, if you develop a fever and/or symptoms of respiratory illness -- such as cough or shortness of breath -- within 14 days of travel from an affected area or within 14 days of close contact with a COVID-19 patient.

Older people, people with underlying medical conditions, and people with compromised immune symptoms should contact a healthcare provider early.

If you experience severe symptoms (e.g., persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or inability to arouse, or bluish lips or face), contact a healthcare provider or emergency department and seek care immediately.

clean your hands icon ruler icon to show distance stay home if you are sick icon
Clean your hands often

 Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

 Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact

 Social distancing also called “physical distancing,” means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household. To practice social or physical distancing, stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people who are not from your household in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Stay home if you’re sick

 Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

tissues to cover sneezes and coughs icon wear a facemask in public icon

clean and disinfect

 

Cover coughs and sneezes

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.

• Throw used tissues in the trash.

• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wear a face mask out in public

• If you are sick: You should wear a face mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a face mask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a face mask if they enter your room. Learn more from the CDC recommendations.

 If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a face mask). Face masks may be in short supply, and they should be saved for caregivers.

 

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• The Ohio Department of Health opened a call center to answer questions regarding COVID-19. Licensed nurses and infectious disease specialists are available to answer questions and provide accurate information about COVID-19, the risk to the public, and the state’s response. You can contact the call center at 1-833-427-5634.

• To view all communication by Governor Mike DeWine, click here.

• Since the beginning of the pandemic, AultCare continues to lead our communities to improved health through a variety of COVID-19 initiated programs and services for members