Genesis Energy is committed to supporting our workforce and providing updates and resources as they become available. The Genesis management team stays aware of related information and makes updates to this page as pertinent information becomes available. The safety and well-being of our employees, their loved ones, and the communities in which we operate are at the forefront of all our minds.
The latest Genesis Coronavirus Protocols are posted here for your reference. We fully expect Genesis employees to comply with applicable governmental orders/directives, and company protocols and procedures to reduce the risk of spreading or contracting COVID-19.
If you have any questions on either the protocol or COVID-19 survey, contact Jeff Gifford at (713) 860-2542. For all other resources, please contact your Human Resources representative or simply email benefitsconnections@genlp.com.
Government to Provide Free At-Home Test Kits
In December, President Biden ordered the U.S. government to purchase 500 million at-home COVID rapid kits to be sent free of charge to Americans who request them. This action is separate, and in addition to, the policy allowing Americans to buy and get reimbursed through private health insurance for at-home test (see next article below for more information).
Order your free COVID tests here: COVIDtests.gov. These free tests can be used for individualized diagnosis of COVID-19 or to meet requirements of routine testing required under an employment procedure or policy.
Health plans to cover at-home COVID-19 test kits
Under Federal law, beginning January 15, 2022, group health plans like ours are required to cover at-home or over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 tests with no member cost-share ($0) and without prior authorization (prescription) until the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). A “member” is any person covered on our medical plan, including dependents of the employee.
Under this requirement, members are limited to eight (8) OTC COVID tests per thirty (30) consecutive days. This benefit will be covered under our CVS Caremark pharmacy benefit and members can obtain an OTC test with no upfront, out-of-pocket costs by simply presenting their medical ID card at any in-network pharmacy that elects to offer COVID-19 tests through this program. As a reminder, our plan’s BCBSTX medical ID card doubles as our pharmacy ID card, or as an alternative, members can obtain a separate Rx ID card through the CVS Caremark Mobile App or their online account (not CVS Pharmacy) but it is not required.
If you have questions about OTC tests covered under your pharmacy benefit, visit https://www.caremark.com/covid19-otc for additional FAQs.
Disclaimer: OTC COVID Tests obtained through the Genesis Energy or Genesis Alkali Health Plan are only intended for the member’s use. The coverage requirement applies to the cost of test kits intended for individualized diagnosis of COVID-19. Should a member obtain an OTC test through the health plan and seek reimbursement for the test from another source, resell the test, use it for routine testing required for employment purposes or give it to someone other than a member’s covered dependent is prohibited. If any member covered under the plan engages in fraudulent or similar behavior in respect to the benefits plan, the plan administrator or the Company may terminate the employee and their dependents’ coverage under one or more benefit plans, or take such other action as permitted by law as determined by the plan administrator or the Company.
VACCINATION INFORMATION
Vaccine availability is widely accessible at most pharmacies and many locations are able to accommodate walk-in appointments. Check the ‘Local Resources’ section below and your state’s Health Department website for more information.
VACCINE INFORMATION FROM THE CDC:
General: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html
Facts: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html
FAQs: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html
TESTING & VACCINE COST
There is no cost for on-site COVID testing or the vaccine, both are covered by the Genesis health plan or the federal government depending on where you have it administered. However, some facilities will have a separate fee for administering the test or vaccine. When choosing a facility it’s important to go in-network so you are not charged an out-of-pocket administration fee. Your Genesis medical coverage will pay for the administration fee if you avoid out-of-network facilities like urgent cares and free-standing emergency rooms; these facilities are fine if they are in-network. If you get tested or immunized by an out-of-network facility, you are responsible for any charges above and beyond the cost of the test or vaccine. Most drive-thru testing and vaccine clinics hosted by the local county, parish or health department do not have an administration fee or require proof of insurance.
IMPORTANT: All testing and vaccines are covered at 100% by the Genesis medical plan. However, if you contract COVID-19 and require treatment (doctor’s visit/hospitalization/Rx), these treatments are subject to the plan’s normal cost-share (deductible, co-insurance, out-of-pocket max).
If you need assistance finding a facility or have questions about how a claim was processed, contact your medical insurance carrier.
BCBS of Texas: www.bcbstx.com (800) 521-2227
BCBS of Wyoming: www.yourwyoblue.com (800) 442-2376