COVID-19 Resources, Vaccines, and At-Home Tests
Our COVID-19 resources and frequently asked questions help you find answers about your care and coverage, vaccinations, testing options, and more.
Important COVID-19 At-Home Testing Update
Starting December 15, 2022, every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests at
In addition, your Cigna plan also covers eight individual over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month for each person enrolled in the plan. The limit of eight does not apply if tests are ordered or administered by a health care provider following a clinical assessment.
You can also check your state’s department of health website to see if additional tests are offered free of charge.
For more information about over-the-counter tests, including information for Medicare Advantage customers, read our Frequently Asked Questions below.
COVID-19 Variants
Find up-to-date information on COVID-19 variants.Over-the-Counter (OTC) Test Kit Information for Cigna Customers (Cigna Medicare Customers see below)
Yes. The FDA has a list of
Effective January 15, 2022 and through the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) period, OTC tests that are approved under the FDA
- Was purchased for the covered individual;
- Is not for employment purposes;
- Has not and will not be reimbursed by another source, and
- Is not for resale.
Your plan may require reasonable documentation of proof of purchase with a claim for reimbursement for the cost of an OTC COVID-19 test. Examples of such documentation could include the UPC code for the OTC COVID-19 test and/or a receipt from the seller of the test, documenting the date of purchase and the price of the OTC COVID-19 test.
You can now submit a COVID-19 test kit claim form online for tests purchased on or after January 15, 2022.
Or, download the
Your plan covers tests that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizes.
Tests you purchase on or after January 15, 2022 are eligible for reimbursement. However, the following are not reimbursable under this program:
-
The BinaxNOWTM test with “Telehealth Proctor Supervised” in the attributes column
- The Cue+ EssentialTM membership
- The Cue Reader
Your plan may limit the number of tests reimbursed to no less than eight OTC COVID-19 tests per covered individual per 30-day period (or per calendar month). In applying the quantity limit of eight, plans and issuers may count each test separately, even if multiple tests are sold in one package.
This limit only applies to OTC COVID-19 tests purchased and administered at home without the involvement of a health care provider. This means your health plan must still cover other kinds of COVID-19 tests ordered or administered by a health care provider. Those tests don’t count toward the eight quantity limit.
Oscar + Cigna customers can
Other COVID-related Information for All Cigna Customers
Tests for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes Covid-19) are approved for home use under FDA
An antigen test is most likely to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus when taken soon after symptoms develop (or 5 days after a known exposure without symptoms). A negative self-test result means that the test did not detect the virus and you may not have an infection, but it does not rule out infection, especially if you have symptoms. Repeating the test within a few days, with at least 24 hours between tests, will increase the confidence that you are not infected.
Regardless of which test is performed, if your result is positive you should follow CDC guidance on
The Test-to-Treat initiative is part of President Biden’s National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. Through this program, there are hundreds of “one stop test-and-treat” locations nationwide. Those who test positive for COVID-19 at one of those locations may also get a prescription filled for oral antivirals, if appropriate. You can search for test-to-treat locations near you using the U.S. Department of Health & Human services’
Please see the Care and Coverage section below for coverage information about testing, diagnosis and treatment options.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Test Kit Information for Cigna Medicare Customers
Cigna Medicare Advantage plans currently do not pay for or reimburse your costs for the purchase of at-home COVID-19 tests. If you purchase at-home test kits on your own, your plan will not reimburse you for the cost.
However, Medicare beneficiaries can get up to 8 tests per month from participating pharmacies and health care providers: National pharmacy chains are participating in this initiative. For more information and to get a list of eligible pharmacies and other health care providers that have committed publicly to participate in this initiative,
Cigna Medicare Advantage plans fully cover the costs of COVID-19 tests done in a clinical setting, through the end of the declared Public Health Emergency (PHE) period. That means your Cigna Medicare plan covers COVID-19 testing without any out-of-pocket costs when it’s ordered by your doctor or done in an approved facility. To find a community-based testing site near you, visit
Cigna Medicare Advantage plans currently do not pay for or reimburse your costs for the purchase of at-home COVID-19 tests. However, you do currently have these other options for COVID-19 testing:
- Visit
HHS.gov to find a community-based testing site near you - Purchase at-home test kits on your own
Through the end of the declared Public Health Emergency (PHE) period, Cigna Medicare Advantage plans fully cover the costs of COVID-19 tests done in a clinical setting. That means your Cigna Medicare plan covers COVID-19 testing without any out-of-pocket costs when it’s ordered by your doctor or done in an approved facility.
In addition, on January 14, 2022,
Also, on February 3, 2022, CMS announced a new initiative for free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests. Starting in early spring, anyone with Medicare Part B will be able to get up to eight free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month, whether enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or not. The tests will be available through eligible pharmacies and other participating entities. This policy will apply to COVID-19 over-the-counter tests that are approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). And Medicare will pay the eligible pharmacies and entities directly.
Be a Community of Immunity
Start building your own Community of Immunity by getting your vaccine.
Since vaccine guidelines and requirements can vary by state and county, we can help you find the latest information and resources for your state.
Cigna covers the cost of administering FDA-approved and FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines at 100% without any out-of-pocket costs when performed by an in-network or out-of-network provider.1
Mental and Emotional Health Resources
If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other issues, we're here for you.
COVID-19 Vaccine Facts
Watch Dr. Neema Stephens, National Medical Director at Cigna, share facts about vaccine safety and development.
Neema Stephens, MD
National Medical Director for Health Equity
Cigna
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
Vaccines
It is incredibly important for everyone 5 years and older to get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated will help our country, communities, and families to end this pandemic and bring life back to normal.
Getting vaccinated also helps prevent serious illness for those who become infected with COVID-19. Until there is a large enough portion of the population vaccinated, COVID-19 will continue to spread and variants will develop.
Everyone five years of age and older is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
There are several ways to find a vaccination location near you:
- Visit
Vaccines.gov - Text your zip code to 438829 or call
- Check your local pharmacy’s website for available appointments
- Find pharmacies participating in
the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program - Contact your
state health department
Note in some states, information may be limited while more vaccination providers and pharmacies are being added.
Learn more at
There are three vaccines available in the U.S. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is FDA-authorized for ages 5-15 and FDA approved for ages 16 and older. The Moderna® and Johnson & Johnson® vaccines are FDA-authorized for ages 18 and older.
Yes. Studies show after getting vaccinated against COVID-19, protection decreases over time. The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further increases the importance of vaccination and boosters to protect against COVID-19.
Everyone ages 12 and older can now get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine booster shot. Individuals can receive the Pfizer-BioNTech booster at least 5 months after completing the primary COVID-19 vaccination series.
A third primary series dose for certain immunocompromised children ages 5 through 11. Children 5 through 11 years of age who have undergone solid organ transplantation, or who have been diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise, may not respond adequately to the two-dose primary vaccination series. Thus, a third primary series dose has now been authorized for this group. This will now allow these children to receive the maximum potential benefit from vaccination.
Children 5 through 11 years of age who are fully vaccinated and are not immunocompromised do not need a third dose at this time.
It’s now recommended that you get your booster shot five months after your last shot if you got the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, six months later if you got the Moderna vaccine, and two months later if you got the Johnson and Johnson/Janssen vaccine.
For detailed information about COVID-19 booster shots, visit the
It is your preference. The CDC recommendations now allow for mix and match dosing for booster shots. You can get a booster of the vaccine that you originally received, or you can get a different vaccine type for your booster.
For the latest recommendations on eligibility of booster shots, including recommendations for the general population, refer to
Yes, as of October 29, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for children five through 11 years of age.
- The vaccine was found to be 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children five through 11 years of age.
- Safety: The vaccine’s safety was studied in approximately 3,100 children age five through 11 years who received the vaccine. No serious side effects have been detected in the ongoing study.
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for children five through 11 years of age is administered as a two-dose primary series, three weeks apart, but is a lower dose (10 micrograms) than that used for individuals 12 years of age and older (30 micrograms).
If you are a parent or guardian with questions about the vaccine, we encourage you to talk with your child’s health care provider.
For more information you can read:
The FDA decision to authorize the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for 5-11 year olds CDC Recommends Vaccine for Kids ages 5-11
Cigna looks to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and input from the
It has been shown that all three COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are highly effective at preventing COVID-19.
To learn more about the vaccines, visit:
The best way to protect against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. The flu and COVID-19 are contagious respiratory diseases that can lead to serious illness, hospitalization, or even death. We encourage everyone to talk with their health care provider about getting the COVID-19 and the flu shot. You can get both shots at the same time.
COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are safe and effective and may help avoid serious complications and hospitalization.
Yes, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 because:
- Research has not yet shown how long you are protected from getting COVID-19 again after you recover from COVID-19.
- Vaccination helps protect you even if you’ve already had COVID-19.
Care and Coverage
Contact your Primary Care Provider (PCP) and ask if they are offering virtual care (telehealth) visits over the phone or through video. They will advise you on how best to get care, if necessary.
If you do not have a PCP, you can search for a provider on
The CDC also has a
Yes. Your plan will cover diagnosis, testing, and treatment associated with COVID-19, including:
- COVID-19 diagnostic visits: Cigna is waiving out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 diagnostic visits with in-network and out-of-network providers, whether at a provider’s office, urgent care center, emergency room, or via virtual care, through the Public Health Emergency (PHE) period.*
- COVID-19 diagnostic testing: Cigna is waiving out-of-pocket costs for COVID-19 FDA-approved testing through the Public Health Emergency (PHE) period.
Get more information on how to get tested at a center or at home [PDF] . - If you have gone out-of-network and received an unexpected bill for a COVID-19 diagnostic visit or test, Cigna's COVID-19 Customer Protection Program (CPP) can help. This COVID-19 assistance program helps resolve billing issues and is provided at no additional cost for eligible customers.2 Call the phone number on your ID card and an advocate will help you.
- COVID-19 treatment: Cigna covers medical care for COVID-19 treatment subject to standard cost share, copay, and deductibles. Cigna covers the administration of all FDA emergency use approved (EUA) COVID-19 infusions consistent with
EUA Guidelines and Cigna’sCOVID-19 Drug and Biologic Therapeutics coverage policy [PDF] .
*Diagnostic tests are covered for individuals with symptoms of a COVID-19 infection or who had exposure to someone with a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection, as well as for individuals before an elective hospital admission or procedure. Non-diagnostic and antibody tests are not covered by Cigna's standard coverage, but may be covered as required by state law.
Check with your employee benefits administrator or human resources department. Many Cigna health plans do not cover testing for employment, travel, or school reasons.
Cigna does cover testing for diagnostic purposes when submitted by a laboratory and will waive cost-share for these tests through the end of the PHE period. Diagnostic purpose tests are those needed to make a diagnosis and manage your health and treatment plan.
Yes. In late December 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two oral prescription medications for the treatment of coronavirus disease (COVID-19): PAXLOVIDTM (from Pfizer) and molnupiravir (from Merck).3 These medications can help lessen the virus’ effects and lower the risk of hospitalization. If your doctor thinks PAXLOVID or molnupiravir is right for you, you should take it as soon as you develop symptoms and test positive for COVID-19.
Yes. PAXLOVID and molnupiravir are available on Cigna’s prescription drug list as preferred brand medications.4 If you or a covered family member get a prescription for PAXLOVID or molnupiravir, you can fill it at any pharmacy (in- or out-of-network) that has it available. Or, you can get the medication directly from your doctor’s office (if they have it).
If you are in a position where you can choose your healthcare provider (e.g. non-emergency), we recommend using the provider directory available on
Some people suffer from ongoing or new symptoms after a diagnosis of COVID-19. Recovery could take as long as or longer than three months. It is important to see your Primary Care Provider (PCP) to discuss ongoing COVID-19 symptoms and an appropriate treatment plan. If you don’t have a PCP,
After you recover from COVID-19 and/or return home from a hospitalization, your PCP can determine the best treatment plan, including assessing any follow care needed. Continue to take ensure you are up to date with preventative care screenings.
The FDA recently authorized the monoclonal antibody therapy, REGEN-COVTM, for emergency use as post-exposure prevention of COVID-19 for those 12 years of age and older weighing at least 88 pounds who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.
REGEN-COV also remains authorized for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 for those who are at high-risk for progression to severe COVID-19. Your PCP is the best person to discuss whether this therapy is appropriate for you.
To find locations that may be able to provide monoclonal antibody therapeutic treatments visit:
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Coronavirus Resources from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
1 For customers in the United States who are covered under Cigna's employer/union sponsored insured group health plans, insured plans for US based globally mobile individuals, Medicare Advantage and Individual and Family Plans (IFP). Cigna will also administer this policy for self-insured employer-sponsored or group health plans, unless your employer or plan sponsor has elected to opt out of this policy. Out-of-pocket costs include any applicable copayments, coinsurance, and deductible payments due under the terms of your plan. The treatments that Cigna will cover for COVID-19 are those covered under Medicare or other applicable state regulations.
2 The COVID-19 Customer Protection Program applies to customers in the United States who are covered under Cigna’s employer/union sponsored insured group health plans, insured plans for US based globally mobile individuals, Medicare Advantage and Individual and Family Plans (IFP). Cigna will also administer the waiver to self-insured group health plans and the company encourages widespread participation, although these plans will have an opportunity to opt-out of the waiver option. If your employer has opted out of the waiver option you may still receive a bill. However, Cigna will work with you to ensure the bill is fair.
3 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: December 23, 2021, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), December 2021,
4 The federal government is currently ordering and distributing PAXLOVID and molnupiravir at no cost. If prescribed, you may have to pay a small dispensing fee at the pharmacy (where available), but you won’t pay more than $6 out-of-pocket. It is anticipated this government program will remain in effect through the end of the Public Health Emergency. But when it ends, these medications will be covered consistent with the terms of your benefit plan.
Cigna employs 7000 clinicians, including pharmacists, medical and behavioral physicians, nurses, coaches, and advisors based on internal HR data as of March 31, 2020.
This content is offered for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor for appropriate medical advice and care recommendations tailored to your specific medical condition.
All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. Cigna contracts with Medicare to offer Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans and Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna depends on contract renewal.
* Y0036_22_104367_M
© 2022 Cigna. Some content may be provided under license.
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