Health & Wellness / Benefit Updates

COVID-19 Testing Sites

See the Vaccines and Testing page to find a testing site near you or to schedule an on-site test if you regularly access the Laboratory site.

Phone or Videoconference Appointment with a Doctor

If you are enrolled in the Lab's Aetna medical plan, schedule a phone or videoconference appointment with a doctor with Teladoc, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

Reach Teladoc at teladoc.com/aetna or call (855) 835-2362

Teladoc gives you access to quality medical care through phone and video consults 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Try Teladoc when you need consultation for conditions like cold and flu, bronchitis, allergies, sinus problems, respiratory infection, and more. Virtual care remains a highly effective method for evaluating and treating illnesses from the comfort of one's home, while minimizing exposure to others who are ill.

For the 90 days beginning March 6, 2020, Teladoc is not charging any copayment. Beginning June 5, 2020, Teladoc will charge the applicable cost-sharing based on the terms of the Aetna plan - except for coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and a related consultative visit including antibody testing with an in-network health care provider, which will continue to be provided without cost sharing (deductibles, copayment, coinsurance). With your consent, Teladoc will provide information about your Teladoc visit to your primary care physician.

This information is applicable to all four of the Lab's Aetna Medical Programs.

To request a consult to talk to a doctor, visit the Teladoc website, log into your account and click “Request a Consult,” or call Teladoc at (855) 835-2362 to request a consult. Consults can also be requested via Teladoc's free smartphone apps.

To set up your account:

• Online: Go to teladoc.com/aetna and click “set up account.”
• Mobile app: Download the app and click “Activate account.” Visit teladoc.com/mobile to download the app.
• Call Teladoc: Teladoc can help you register your account over the phone. Call (855) 835-2362.

Learn more about Teladoc.

Ask a Nurse About Health Issues

If you are enrolled in the Lab's Aetna medical plan, ask a registered nurse about health issues with the Aetna Informed Health Line, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

Call (800) 556-1555

With the Informed Health Line, you can speak to a registered nurse about health issues whenever you need to. It's toll-free. You can call as many times as you need at no cost. This information is applicable to all four of the Lab's Aetna Medical Programs. Learn more (PDF).

Get Important Information About the Lab's Aetna Health Coverage

Call (855) 586-6961 or see www.aetna.com for questions about coverage and access to care.

Important Aetna updates

• Aetna will waive copayments for all diagnostic testing related to COVID-19. This policy will cover the test kit for patients who meet CDC guidelines for testing, which can be done in any approved laboratory location.
• For the next 90 days, Aetna will not charge any copayment for telemedicine visits through Teladoc or other in-network providers that live video-conference sessions.
• Through Aetna's Healing Better program, members who are diagnosed with COVID-19 will receive a care package.

Talk to a Counselor

Talk to a counselor about stress, work, or family concerns with Magellan Healthcare's counselling services. Get five confidential, pre-paid counseling sessions provided by a third party at no cost to you and your household members. You can meet with a counselor face-to-face or by video conference (available for participating providers). Call (800) 327-2182 or visit https://member.magellanhealthcare.com/. Learn more about the counseling services offered through the Lab's Employee Assistance Program.

Benefit Updates Resulting from the Pandemic

CARES Act Impact on Costs Related to COVID-19 Testing and Treatment

Based on provisions in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, BSA has implemented no copays, deductibles, or coinsurance for COVID-19 testing and related healthcare visits, including telemedicine.

As a result, Brookhaven Science Associates, LLC has implemented the following enhancements to the Aetna medical plans.

• The cost of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and the related consultative visit, including antibody testing, with an in-network health care provider will be provided without cost sharing (deductibles, copayment, coinsurance), preauthorization, or medical management requirements.
• If preventive measures become available, defined as an “item, service, or immunization that is intended to prevent or mitigate” COVID-19, then such measures will be covered at an in-network healthcare provider without cost sharing.

For other care and/or treatment related to COVID-19, deductibles, copayment, and coinsurance will continue to apply based on the terms of the Aetna medical plans.

In addition, the health care flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings account (Aetna Plan 4 - HSA), and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA), will now include coverage for the following eligible expenses:

• over-the-counter medicines and drugs, without a prescription, and
• menstrual products.

BSA Benefit Programs and Qualifying Events

As a result of the pandemic, you and your family may be experiencing events that affect your health care coverages and child care. Many parents have young children at home due to the closure of a child care facility or are no longer using child care while they are at home. Some families who had health care coverage through a spouse have now lost that coverage due to a layoff or furlough. If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you may have a Qualifying Event that enables you to enroll in Brookhaven's medical, dental, and/or vision plans. Details.

Updates for enrollees in the EyeMed vision care program

This update provides additional clarification on use of benefits. As with all managed care organizations, EyeMed is required to follow COVID-19 guidance and protocols provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health and insurance departments. We recommend you follow CDC guidelines regarding routine eye exams, including postponing routine visits. While the CDC is discouraging routine visits, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has determined that optometry is an essential service. There are circumstances that may arise where you need to receive new glasses, lenses or contact lenses, or obtain replacements. This updated FAQ will provide some additional clarification. Download the Member FAQ (PDF)