BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee to Cover COVID-19 Booster

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee will cover the administration cost for a COVID-19 booster for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, including those undergoing cancer treatment. Organization executives said in a statement that members in commercial Blue Network S, P and L, as well as Medicare Advantage, BlueCare Tennessee and BlueCare Plus Tennessee will also be able to get a booster without any out-of-pocket costs.

“It’s our responsibility to support members seeking to protect themselves against COVID-19. Research has demonstrated the clear value of a booster to reduce risk, which ultimately will help communities facing the Delta variant surge,” Andrea Willis, M.D., chief medical officer for BlueCross.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends COVID-19 vaccine boosters for those who:

• Are receiving active cancer treatment for tumors or cancers of the blood
• Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Received a stem cell transplant within the last 2 years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system
• Have a moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency
• Have an advanced or untreated HIV infection
• Are undergoing active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress their immune response

Additional, the plan is waiving member costs for medically necessary COVID-19 testing until the end of the national public health emergency, and last year made permanent coverage for in-network telehealth visits for members with employer-based or individual plans.