Employee & Retiree Benefits

IMPORTANT Plan Update

During the COVID-19 federal Public Health Emergency (PHE), Blue Cross^® Blue Shield^® of Arizona (BCBSAZ) expanded health benefit coverage guidelines, such as covering COVID-19 testing and testing-related services at no out-of-pocket cost. 

As the incidence of COVID-19 cases has diminished, the federal government announced an end to the PHE as of May 11, 2023. Effective May 11, 2023, BCBSAZ benefits will return to standard benefit provisions. 

 COVID-19 testing and testing-related services (including telehealth visits for these services) will return to the standard benefit. Depending on your benefit plan, you may have cost-share responsibilities.

• COVID-19 over-the-counter (OTC) test costs will no longer be reimbursed.

• FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines will be covered as preventive services with no out-of-pocket costs when obtained in-network. Out-of-network (OON) vaccines will incur standard OON charges. 
• Standard requirements for precertification review of COVID-19 testing, treatment, and admissions to post-acute care facilities will be reinstated.