During the COVID-19 National Emergency and the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, some benefit coverages expanded temporarily to make it easier for employees to receive care. These emergencies officially end on May 11, 2023, and many of the expanded benefits will return to normal coverage levels and regular deductibles, copays, and coinsurance will apply.

Items that will no longer be covered

• Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests will no longer be covered and will be an out-of-pocket expense.

Medical benefits that are going back to “normal”

• COVID-19 PCR lab tests will be covered when ordered by an in-network provider and your medical plan’s normal cost-sharing amounts will apply.
• Treatment for COVID-19: All treatments and prescription drugs for COVID-19 will be subject to your medical plan’s normal cost-sharing amounts (copays or coinsurance) will apply.
• Telehealth for Regence members (KingCare and KingCare Select) will continue to be covered, and normal plan cost-sharing (copays coinsurance) will apply.

Services that will still be covered 100%

• COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, are considered preventive care, and will continue to be covered at 100% if received from an in-network provider.
• Telehealth for Regence members using Doctor on Demand will continue at no charge. Doctor on Demand is available to the Regular and ATU 587 employee benefit groups.
• Telehealth visits for Kaiser members will continue to be free.

More information

For more information about your King County benefits and coverage, contact the Benefits Team at 206-684-1556 or KC Benefits. For Regence BlueShield Customer Service, call 800-376-7926. For Kaiser Permanente Customer Service, call 888-901-4636.