← Well Fall 2020

A Message from the President and CEO

To your health

We’ve all been through a lot with the coronavirus pandemic, keeping socially distant for months and adapting to circumstances that continually change.

Although many COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, it’s critical to stay vigilant in the fight against the virus. By continuing to practice healthy habits as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we can help protect ourselves and others.

The pandemic has made one point clear: How important it is to have access to quality health care services. You can be assured that Tufts Health Plan remains committed to providing coverage that includes no costs to members for medically necessary COVID-19 testing and in-person treatments.

Meanwhile, another contagious respiratory illness – seasonal flu -- typically begins to appear this month. The CDC believes “it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading. In this context, getting a flu vaccine will be more important than ever.”

The flu shot is safe, effective and available at many locations, so you should not avoid getting one. For most plans, there is no cost to you for a flu shot and a copayment/deductible does not apply.1 The CDC recommends that everyone ages six months and older, with rare exceptions, be vaccinated by the end of October.

Like flu, other diseases are also preventable with vaccines. It’s especially crucial for children to continue to receive immunizations despite the pandemic to protect them from measles, whooping cough (pertussis), and others that can cause community outbreaks. Children’s immunizations are considered preventive care, which means they are covered at 100%.2

I encourage you to learn more about these and other timely topics in this issue of Well Member Update to help safeguard your health.

At Tufts Health Plan, we’re here for you and your family in these difficult times. Continue to stay safe this fall and enjoy time with your loved ones.

Thomas A. Croswell
President & CEO

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  1. Flu shots are covered at no cost for most plans; there are exceptions for certain employer groups. If you are unsure about your plan’s benefit, please call Member Services at the phone number on your member ID card.
  2. Preventive care may not be eligible for 100% coverage with some plans — please check your benefit document to confirm. For plans that do provide 100% coverage, preventive care must be received from a provider in the Tufts Health Plan network. Only certain services qualify as preventive. If you have any questions about whether a service is preventive, please check your benefit document or call Member Services at the number on your ID card.