Nov 10, 2021

• Large Group
• Small Group

• NY-DOWNSTATE
• NY-UPSTATE

At-home COVID-19 test kits available at no cost to members for a limited time

Member health is our top priority. As the spread of COVID-19 continues across our communities, we want to share information about additional testing options for members with symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. These options are available to members of our Fully Insured groups.

• At-home diagnostic COVID-19 testing kit. This test is available at no charge for diagnostic testing only and is now available through empireblue.com or the Sydney Health mobile app. A doctor's order, while normally required for testing to be covered, is not required when ordering through this limited program. The test typically arrives in two business days or less and provides results in 10 minutes. This test is for members who have symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. This rapid diagnostic test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antigen is an over-the-counter (OTC) home test for use under an FDA Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for in vitro diagnostic use only. It is not being made available under FDA authorization for screening purposes. While Empire does not normally cover at-home diagnostic COVID-19 testing kits unless ordered by a clinician, we’ve purchased a limited number of at-home testing kits for this temporary program.*

• OTC diagnostic COVID-19 tests. If members can’t wait for a kit to come in the mail, they can check their local pharmacies and grocery stores for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at their own expense.

Proactively educating members about these testing options helps them feel supported and confident in their care. Inform your clients about the new at-home COVID-19 diagnostic testing kit option and that they can order it through the Sydney Health app on their smartphone or online at  empireblue.com. Members can also go to our COVID-19 Resource Center and select Find a Testing Center to see their local testing options, order an at-home COVID-19 testing kit, and check their state guidance for the latest local COVID-19 recommendations.

*This program is subject to change and is being offered as an alternative to traditional benefits.

Sydney HealthSM is offered through an arrangement with CareMarket, Inc., a separate company offering mobile application services on behalf of Empire Blue Cross, and Empire Blue Cross and Blue Shield. ©2020-2021