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w8andsee
LIF Adult
Member since 10/09 1193 total posts
Name:
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COVID test for travel?
For anyone that had to provide a negative covid test for travel, did your insurance cover the test or did you pay for it out of pocket?
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Posted 1/5/21 2:13 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
MrsM-6-7-08
<3
Member since 8/06 4249 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Depending on how fast you need it, it is best to pay a private company and pay out of pocket. some places require 72 hours from the time you take the test to the time you land in the country.
Check your destination requirements
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| Posted 1/5/21 3:09 PM |
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Re: COVID test for travel?
If they allow the rapid, get there early and you will have results that day.
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| Posted 1/5/21 3:31 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Posted by valentinesbaby48
If they allow the rapid, get there early and you will have results that day.
Most places require a PCR because the rapid is so unreliable.
We used NYU Langone every time and had no issues - results were always back within 24 hours. You need to set up a virtual urgent care visit and they will order the test for you. Then you are able to schedule an appt using your mychart account. It helps to set up the mychart account prior to the virtual urgent care visit. The process is a little different for kids but we had no issues.
Insurance covered the cost entirely. I would not pay out of pocket as the tests can be expensive and depending how many in your family are traveling it can really add up. I know people that are paying $100-$125 per person for families of 4 and 5 people and I am way too cheap to do that.
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| Posted 1/5/21 3:34 PM |
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Posted by lululu
Posted by valentinesbaby48
If they allow the rapid, get there early and you will have results that day.
Most places require a PCR because the rapid is so unreliable.
We used NYU Langone every time and had no issues - results were always back within 24 hours. You need to set up a virtual urgent care visit and they will order the test for you. Then you are able to schedule an appt using your mychart account. It helps to set up the mychart account prior to the virtual urgent care visit. The process is a little different for kids but we had no issues.
Insurance covered the cost entirely. I would not pay out of pocket as the tests can be expensive and depending how many in your family are traveling it can really add up. I know people that are paying $100-$125 per person for families of 4 and 5 people and I am way too cheap to do that.
Yeah, wasn't too sure what was required.
My child has taken a million tests  , all the different types and has not had to pay for one.
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| Posted 1/5/21 3:36 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: COVID test for travel?
I believe the state testing sites are free.
You can sign up online and then call for an appt.
It's all drive through.
Dh never had to pay or give any insurance info when he used them when he had to get a negative test
Message edited 1/5/2021 3:50:03 PM.
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| Posted 1/5/21 3:47 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Testing is supposed to be free, no matter the reason. Unless you are getting it done at home, or doing the rapid (which isn't typically allowed for travel anyway)
Message edited 1/5/2021 3:50:29 PM.
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| Posted 1/5/21 3:50 PM |
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SnickNNick
In our new house!!
Member since 8/08 2119 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Posted by BargainMama
Testing is supposed to be free, no matter the reason. Unless you are getting it done at home, or doing the rapid (which isn't typically allowed for travel anyway)
If you are doing it for a "personal" reason and not due to exposure or any symptoms, many testing options at least here in NJ are not allowing appointments to be made to reserve tests for those who really need them. My insurance (Aetna) has also told me they would not cover testing for "personal" reasons, unless required by a doctor. Yes, there are free walk-up places but you may end up waiting a long time. Just letting you know it will depend on your situation, your state, and your insurance and may not be as easy.
Message edited 1/5/2021 5:15:23 PM.
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| Posted 1/5/21 5:15 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Posted by SnickNNick
Posted by BargainMama
Testing is supposed to be free, no matter the reason. Unless you are getting it done at home, or doing the rapid (which isn't typically allowed for travel anyway)
If you are doing it for a "personal" reason and not due to exposure or any symptoms, many testing options at least here in NJ are not allowing appointments to be made to reserve tests for those who really need them. My insurance (Aetna) has also told me they would not cover testing for "personal" reasons, unless required by a doctor. Yes, there are free walk-up places but you may end up waiting a long time. Just letting you know it will depend on your situation, your state, and your insurance and may not be as easy.
So what if you need it to go visit a family member in a care facility? That's technically a personal reason.
My husband did that twice and did not have to pay via the NY State testing sites.
Also when he made the appts they didn't ask any questions about why he was getting tested, they just gave him the appointment time and that was it
Message edited 1/5/2021 5:45:49 PM.
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| Posted 1/5/21 5:40 PM |
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lisa0807
LIF Adolescent
Member since 4/10 572 total posts
Name:
Lisa
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COVID test for travel?
My son needed a test and we went to a Prohealth drive through and it was covered 100% under insurance. We had to wait a long very long time.
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| Posted 1/5/21 5:54 PM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Posted by SnickNNick
Posted by BargainMama
Testing is supposed to be free, no matter the reason. Unless you are getting it done at home, or doing the rapid (which isn't typically allowed for travel anyway)
If you are doing it for a "personal" reason and not due to exposure or any symptoms, many testing options at least here in NJ are not allowing appointments to be made to reserve tests for those who really need them. My insurance (Aetna) has also told me they would not cover testing for "personal" reasons, unless required by a doctor. Yes, there are free walk-up places but you may end up waiting a long time. Just letting you know it will depend on your situation, your state, and your insurance and may not be as easy.
Aetna has it on their website (at least in my portal) that all COVID testing is covered at 100% due to the CARES act. You may have been misinformed on this.
https://www.aetna.com/individuals-families/member-rights-resources/need-to-know-coronavirus/testing-treatment-information.html
The only time you need a doctor's note is if you are getting the antibody test (that requires bloodwork).
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| Posted 1/5/21 6:56 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Posted by SnickNNick
Posted by BargainMama
Testing is supposed to be free, no matter the reason. Unless you are getting it done at home, or doing the rapid (which isn't typically allowed for travel anyway)
If you are doing it for a "personal" reason and not due to exposure or any symptoms, many testing options at least here in NJ are not allowing appointments to be made to reserve tests for those who really need them. My insurance (Aetna) has also told me they would not cover testing for "personal" reasons, unless required by a doctor. Yes, there are free walk-up places but you may end up waiting a long time. Just letting you know it will depend on your situation, your state, and your insurance and may not be as easy.
Well, it sucks to live in NJ then. It's supposed to be free for all. All the commercials in NY say to test, and test often! Even if you have no symptoms. No one would be doing that if they had to pay. And no one knows WHY the OP is traveling. I traveled to visit my sick father in another state on an airplane. I didn't need to be tested since it was over the Summer, but just because someone is traveling, doesn't mean it's "leisure". And who cares if it is anyway? Be safe, be smart, wherever you go. You could get sick at Walmart. You could get sick in Maine. The onus is on you to wash your hands, wear your mask and not touch your face and eyes (sorry going on a tangent hahaha)
Message edited 1/5/2021 7:03:32 PM.
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| Posted 1/5/21 7:01 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by SnickNNick
Posted by BargainMama
Testing is supposed to be free, no matter the reason. Unless you are getting it done at home, or doing the rapid (which isn't typically allowed for travel anyway)
If you are doing it for a "personal" reason and not due to exposure or any symptoms, many testing options at least here in NJ are not allowing appointments to be made to reserve tests for those who really need them. My insurance (Aetna) has also told me they would not cover testing for "personal" reasons, unless required by a doctor. Yes, there are free walk-up places but you may end up waiting a long time. Just letting you know it will depend on your situation, your state, and your insurance and may not be as easy.
Well, it sucks to live in NJ then. It's supposed to be free for all. All the commercials in NY say to test, and test often! Even if you have no symptoms. No one would be doing that if they had to pay. And no one knows WHY the OP is traveling. I traveled to visit my sick father in another state on an airplane. I didn't need to be tested since it was over the Summer, but just because someone is traveling, doesn't mean it's "leisure". And who cares if it is anyway? Be safe, be smart, wherever you go. You could get sick at Walmart. You could get sick in Maine. The onus is on you to wash your hands, wear your mask and not touch your face and eyes (sorry going on a tangent hahaha)
Yep. Oh and just because you tested negative today doesn't mean you can't have picked it up tomorrow and be spreading it all around on your trip or wherever
I feel like a negative test gives a false sense of security.
When DH was getting tested to go visit his dad, we were saying that - ok he went Monday. On Wednesday that said he was negative. (On Monday). The visit wasn't scheduled until Friday. He could have easily picked something between Monday when he was negative and Friday when he walked in to see his dad.
(moot point anyway because both visits got canceled but, you see my point)
Message edited 1/5/2021 7:17:50 PM.
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| Posted 1/5/21 7:16 PM |
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w8andsee
LIF Adult
Member since 10/09 1193 total posts
Name:
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Re: COVID test for travel?
I called Emblem and they told me that a covid test without symptoms or not prescribed by a doctor will not be covered.
It seems Aetna has a similar rule.
Will Aetna cover COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody tests under any circumstance? (As of 11/09/2020)
Aetna will cover, without cost share, diagnostic (molecular PCR or antigen) tests to determine the need for member treatment.1 This includes to direct-to-consumer/home-based diagnostic or antigen tests. Aetna’s health plans generally do not cover a test performed at the direction of a member’s employer in order to obtain or maintain employment or to perform the member’s normal work functions or for return to school or recreational activities, except as required by applicable law.
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| Posted 1/5/21 9:56 PM |
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w8andsee
LIF Adult
Member since 10/09 1193 total posts
Name:
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Thanks everyone. I'll try calling the places listed above.
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| Posted 1/5/21 9:58 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Posted by w8andsee
I called Emblem and they told me that a covid test without symptoms or not prescribed by a doctor will not be covered.
It seems Aetna has a similar rule.
Will Aetna cover COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody tests under any circumstance? (As of 11/09/2020)
Aetna will cover, without cost share, diagnostic (molecular PCR or antigen) tests to determine the need for member treatment.1 This includes to direct-to-consumer/home-based diagnostic or antigen tests. Aetna’s health plans generally do not cover a test performed at the direction of a member’s employer in order to obtain or maintain employment or to perform the member’s normal work functions or for return to school or recreational activities, except as required by applicable law.
In that case I would just go to a state testing site. That way you don't have to pay. I was not even asked for my son's Insurance when I took him to Stony Brook.
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| Posted 1/5/21 10:04 PM |
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SnickNNick
In our new house!!
Member since 8/08 2119 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Posted by w8andsee
I called Emblem and they told me that a covid test without symptoms or not prescribed by a doctor will not be covered.
It seems Aetna has a similar rule.
Will Aetna cover COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody tests under any circumstance? (As of 11/09/2020)
Aetna will cover, without cost share, diagnostic (molecular PCR or antigen) tests to determine the need for member treatment.1 This includes to direct-to-consumer/home-based diagnostic or antigen tests. Aetna’s health plans generally do not cover a test performed at the direction of a member’s employer in order to obtain or maintain employment or to perform the member’s normal work functions or for return to school or recreational activities, except as required by applicable law.
Yes, I spoke to an Aetna rep directly and this is what they told me. Yes, you can go to state walk-up testing for free, but as I said you might end up having to wait a lot longer. If you want to test at CVS or one of those other options, they do ask you questions about the reason for the test (at least in NJ) and if you say no contact and no symptoms, they say they can't test you at that time. Perhaps it's different in NY.
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| Posted 1/6/21 1:15 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Posted by SnickNNick
Posted by w8andsee
I called Emblem and they told me that a covid test without symptoms or not prescribed by a doctor will not be covered.
It seems Aetna has a similar rule.
Will Aetna cover COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody tests under any circumstance? (As of 11/09/2020)
Aetna will cover, without cost share, diagnostic (molecular PCR or antigen) tests to determine the need for member treatment.1 This includes to direct-to-consumer/home-based diagnostic or antigen tests. Aetna’s health plans generally do not cover a test performed at the direction of a member’s employer in order to obtain or maintain employment or to perform the member’s normal work functions or for return to school or recreational activities, except as required by applicable law.
Yes, I spoke to an Aetna rep directly and this is what they told me. Yes, you can go to state walk-up testing for free, but as I said you might end up having to wait a lot longer. If you want to test at CVS or one of those other options, they do ask you questions about the reason for the test (at least in NJ) and if you say no contact and no symptoms, they say they can't test you at that time. Perhaps it's different in NY.
The state sites were giving out appointments back when my husband went, so there really wasn't much of a wait. Definitely much better than the people lining us for hours outside the urgent cares.
Not sure if that has changed
Message edited 1/6/2021 1:31:34 PM.
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| Posted 1/6/21 1:23 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by SnickNNick
Posted by w8andsee
I called Emblem and they told me that a covid test without symptoms or not prescribed by a doctor will not be covered.
It seems Aetna has a similar rule.
Will Aetna cover COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody tests under any circumstance? (As of 11/09/2020)
Aetna will cover, without cost share, diagnostic (molecular PCR or antigen) tests to determine the need for member treatment.1 This includes to direct-to-consumer/home-based diagnostic or antigen tests. Aetna’s health plans generally do not cover a test performed at the direction of a member’s employer in order to obtain or maintain employment or to perform the member’s normal work functions or for return to school or recreational activities, except as required by applicable law.
Yes, I spoke to an Aetna rep directly and this is what they told me. Yes, you can go to state walk-up testing for free, but as I said you might end up having to wait a lot longer. If you want to test at CVS or one of those other options, they do ask you questions about the reason for the test (at least in NJ) and if you say no contact and no symptoms, they say they can't test you at that time. Perhaps it's different in NY.
The state sites were giving out appointments back when my husband went, so there really wasn't much of a wait. Definitely much better than the people lining us for hours outside the urgent cares.
Not sure if that has changed
They still give out appointments. I took my son to the drive thru and was done in 10. I can't understand why people wait for hours at these urgent care places.
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| Posted 1/6/21 1:41 PM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17792 total posts
Name:
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Posted by SnickNNick
Posted by w8andsee
I called Emblem and they told me that a covid test without symptoms or not prescribed by a doctor will not be covered.
It seems Aetna has a similar rule.
Will Aetna cover COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody tests under any circumstance? (As of 11/09/2020)
Aetna will cover, without cost share, diagnostic (molecular PCR or antigen) tests to determine the need for member treatment.1 This includes to direct-to-consumer/home-based diagnostic or antigen tests. Aetna’s health plans generally do not cover a test performed at the direction of a member’s employer in order to obtain or maintain employment or to perform the member’s normal work functions or for return to school or recreational activities, except as required by applicable law.
Yes, I spoke to an Aetna rep directly and this is what they told me. Yes, you can go to state walk-up testing for free, but as I said you might end up having to wait a lot longer. If you want to test at CVS or one of those other options, they do ask you questions about the reason for the test (at least in NJ) and if you say no contact and no symptoms, they say they can't test you at that time. Perhaps it's different in NY.
Some places in NY will say no if it's because you traveled and don't want to quarantine - that happened to my family at CVS.
I was tested at an urgent care because I wanted one before I returned to work (I said work required it). I was charged $25 because I took a rapid which was the charge for a rapid regardless the reason (before I knew the rapid was so unreliable).
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| Posted 1/6/21 1:43 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by SnickNNick
Posted by w8andsee
I called Emblem and they told me that a covid test without symptoms or not prescribed by a doctor will not be covered.
It seems Aetna has a similar rule.
Will Aetna cover COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody tests under any circumstance? (As of 11/09/2020)
Aetna will cover, without cost share, diagnostic (molecular PCR or antigen) tests to determine the need for member treatment.1 This includes to direct-to-consumer/home-based diagnostic or antigen tests. Aetna’s health plans generally do not cover a test performed at the direction of a member’s employer in order to obtain or maintain employment or to perform the member’s normal work functions or for return to school or recreational activities, except as required by applicable law.
Yes, I spoke to an Aetna rep directly and this is what they told me. Yes, you can go to state walk-up testing for free, but as I said you might end up having to wait a lot longer. If you want to test at CVS or one of those other options, they do ask you questions about the reason for the test (at least in NJ) and if you say no contact and no symptoms, they say they can't test you at that time. Perhaps it's different in NY.
The state sites were giving out appointments back when my husband went, so there really wasn't much of a wait. Definitely much better than the people lining us for hours outside the urgent cares.
Not sure if that has changed
They still give out appointments. I took my son to the drive thru and was done in 10. I can't understand why people wait for hours at these urgent care places.
I know. Standing outside in the rain and freezing cold for hours. And it clogs up the urgent care places for people who are sick with, you know, other things.
My friend had to go for really bad poison ivy that she needed a prescription for and was waiting for hours with people waiting for a Covid test.
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| Posted 1/6/21 1:44 PM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17792 total posts
Name:
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Re: COVID test for travel?
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by SnickNNick
Posted by w8andsee
I called Emblem and they told me that a covid test without symptoms or not prescribed by a doctor will not be covered.
It seems Aetna has a similar rule.
Will Aetna cover COVID-19 diagnostic and antibody tests under any circumstance? (As of 11/09/2020)
Aetna will cover, without cost share, diagnostic (molecular PCR or antigen) tests to determine the need for member treatment.1 This includes to direct-to-consumer/home-based diagnostic or antigen tests. Aetna’s health plans generally do not cover a test performed at the direction of a member’s employer in order to obtain or maintain employment or to perform the member’s normal work functions or for return to school or recreational activities, except as required by applicable law.
Yes, I spoke to an Aetna rep directly and this is what they told me. Yes, you can go to state walk-up testing for free, but as I said you might end up having to wait a lot longer. If you want to test at CVS or one of those other options, they do ask you questions about the reason for the test (at least in NJ) and if you say no contact and no symptoms, they say they can't test you at that time. Perhaps it's different in NY.
The state sites were giving out appointments back when my husband went, so there really wasn't much of a wait. Definitely much better than the people lining us for hours outside the urgent cares.
Not sure if that has changed
They still give out appointments. I took my son to the drive thru and was done in 10. I can't understand why people wait for hours at these urgent care places.
I know. Standing outside in the rain and freezing cold for hours. And it clogs up the urgent care places for people who are sick with, you know, other things.
My friend had to go for really bad poison ivy that she needed a prescription for and was waiting for hours with people waiting for a Covid test.
The urgent care that had long lines by us had separate lines for those who needed true urgent care matters. Now they have switched to a virtual covid test line which has made things better (I've never been but it's in the same parking lot as Kohls and it always looks miserable).
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| Posted 1/6/21 1:54 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9511 total posts
Name:
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Re: COVID test for travel?
I didn't read all the back and forth but I have Aetna, have been tested many times for travel and have never had to pay. This is probably because I went thru NYU where a doctor orders the test. They don't put a reason on the order so insurance would not know if it's for travel, a procedure or because you are symptomatic. It was fast, easy and convenient without having to wait on line for hours. Results came with in 24 hours each time. I suggest you go this route.
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| Posted 1/6/21 2:14 PM |
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