The coronavirus has created a dynamic situation with information changing daily. The New Hampshire Interlocal Trust (NHIT) is dedicated to providing a high level of service for our members, while also prioritizing the health and safety of all our employees during these uncertain times of the COVID-19 virus.

We are continuously monitoring the situation and how it impacts our day to day lives. The NHIT Office has re-opened, guests must complete a COVID screening and follow NHIT COVID protocols while in the office.

The NHIT team is committed to providing our members with important and helpful information from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, our partners and outside resources on the most recent COVID-19 information and news. The following information can help you to stay up to date on the ever changing information on COVID-19.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care

Harvard Pilgrim is actively monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and what it means for our members and communities. To facilitate our members’ ability to receive necessary testing for suspected COVID-19 exposure, and until further notice, the NHIT and Harvard Pilgrim are waiving the cost sharing for:

COVID-19 testing
Doctors office, urgent care and emergency room services for COVID-19 testing
Telemedicine Services (for any reason)

This policy also applies to any NHIT/HPHC member enrolled on a Medicare Enhance plan. Coverage will be provided in accordance with plan requirements.

Members will also have access to out-of-network providers for the initial COVID-19 test when no in-network providers are available. Harvard Pilgrim will also remove prior authorization and referral requirements, where applicable, so members can get timely medically necessary testing and treatment for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Testing

Viral testing for current COVID-19 infection is covered when ordered by a physician or appropriately licensed health care professional actively treating you.

Antibody testing for previous COVID-19 infection is covered only when it is an FDA-authorized test, when ordered by a physician or appropraitely licensed health care professional, and when medically necessary for your provider to help make descisions about treatment for an immediate medical condition.

Testing meeting the above criteria is covered in full with no copayment, deductible, or cost sharing through the COVID-19 emergency period. Members should always use participating providers/laboratories for all COVID-19 testing.

COVID-19 Home Test Coverage

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care is covering the cost of up to eight (8) over-the-counter, at-home COVID-19 tests per member, per month. Tests must be approved or granted emergency use authorization by the FDA. A complete list of eligible home tests can be found online here.

• Harvard Pilgrim Members can visit a Walmart or Rite Aid Pharmacy and purchase tests with no upfront cost.
• Members who pay for at-home tests out-of-pocket can complete and print a reimbursement form to be mailed to Harvard Pilgrim with copies of their receipts. The reimbursement form can be found online here.

COVID-19 Treatment

All NHIT/HPHC Members are responsible for the cost sharing for COVID-19 treatment.

COVID-19 Vaccine

The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is starting to give Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for COVID-19 vaccines. NHIT and Harvard Pilgrim are continuing to recieve updates on this but are able to share the following:

Members will not have to pay cost sharing for these EUA COVID-19 vaccines.
Vaccine supplies will be limited at first. Each State is developing its own plans for distribution, with certain high-risk groups taking priority.
These vaccines protect against COVID-19 symptoms but may not stop the spread of the infection. That’s why it’s crucial to continue to wear masks, wash your hands frequently and practice physicial distancing.

NHIT and HPHC will continue to update our members regarding COVID-19 vaccine policies and other relevant details as the information develops.

Member support and Education

Harvard Pilgrim has taken steps to proactively reach out to our most vulnerable members, as well as to ensure that their nurse care managers proactively address high-risk individuals in their daily interactions.

To educate our members about containing the spread of the virus and staying healthy, Harvard Pilgrim has established a coronavirus web page that includes general preventive information and links to the CDC and state health agencies in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It also includes an FAQ that lets members know about options for telemedicine and obtaining 90-day prescriptions for medicines they take regularly.

To check out the Harvard Pilgrim coronavirus web page, please visit the resource link below.

Benefit Strategies

The CARES Act law was signed March 27, 2020 and has made two permanent changes to FSA and HSA eligible items. Both of these changes are retroactive and effective for expenses incurred on or after 1/1/2020.

The CARES Act permanently reinstates coverage of Over the Counter (OTC) drugs and medicines as items eligible for reimbursement under Code 213(d). With this law, OTC drugs and medicines will no longer require participants to have a prescription to prove eligibility. This includes products such as cough syrup, allergy medicine and pain relievers. The other permanent change has made menstrual care products (i.e. tampons, liners, pads, cups, etc.) as eligible items.

For additional information on changes that impact enrollment, claims, eligible expenses, payment deadlines and elections please visit the link below.

Telemedicine Services

Telemedicine for clinically appropriate medically necessary covered services are covered in full for all plans including Medicare Enhance. Using telemedicine, members have access to virtual medical and behavioral health visits via phone or video chat with licensed health care providers. Using telemedicine to avoid crowded waiting rooms reduces your exposure to COVID-19 and other infections and helps to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Services offered through telemedicine include:

• Assessments to determine whether you need to be seen or tested for COVID-19 or other health conditions
• Urgent or routine check-in with a health care provider
• Behavioral Health visits
• Non-COVID-19 related appointments that can’t happen in person due to COVID-19 precautions and can be appropriately addressed via telemedicine

Call your health care provider to see if they offer telemedicine services.

Doctor on Demand

Is available to enrolled employees & their dependents at a $0 copay for medical telemedicine services for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 services.

The 24/7 Telemedicine Program from Harvard Pilgrim virtually connects you with licensed doctors and other professionals for non-emergency medical procedures. If you are enrolled in an HSA plan, the cost of a medical visit for a non-COVID-19 related visit is $49, and this will apply until your deductible has been met.

Members can also download the mobile app on their smartphones or tablets.

If you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath) call your health care provider for medical advice first.

Trust Work-Life Assistance Program (EAP)

The Trust Work-Life Assistance Program is available to all employees of the worksite and members of their household, regardless of enrollment in the NHIT health program. This is a free and confidential program designed to help when you need it. EAP services are provided by New Hampshire Interlocal Trust in collaboration with KGA, Inc.

Employee Resources

As posted in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Alert on the Trust Work-Life Assistance My.KGALifeServices.com website, KGA provides links to leading sources like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). These sites provide expert information and are updated regularly.

KGA counselors are experienced in helping people manage anxiety and stay engaged in daily life. In addition to traditional face-to-face counseling for individuals seeking emotional support, we now offer remote counseling with licensed mental health professionals via telephone, video and text/message-based platforms.

Log in to your My.KGALifeServices.com portal to review the many resources and tools available to you today.

Employer Resources

We understand many employers have questions about protecting their employees and work enviornment to prevent the disruption of work operations. We advise employers to seek input from internal legal counsel to develop or amend policies in accordance with state and federal laws.

In addition, the following are links to credible sources which offer targeted resources to organizations managing the impact of this virus:

• Coronavirus: An Employer’s Action Guide – The National Law Review

• Additional articles for employers on Coronavirus – The National Law Review

• Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to the Coronavirus 2019 – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• For SHRM members

ClearChoice MD Urgent Care (CCMD)

ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care is proudly offering COVID-19 testing for both active infections and antibodies, seven days a week. No appointments are needed, but patients are encouraged to save their spot in line through an online registration portal, which can be found on each center location page on their website. 

ATTENTION: You can save your spot in line up to five (5) days in advance. Due to an increase in testing interest, visit time slots are filling up quickly. If no visit time slots are available, please check back the following day. To preregister online and save your spot in line, please select the orange “Check-In Online” button. **Saving your spot in line does not guarantee an appointment time. Wait times can change due to unforeseen circumstances. Automated text messages will keep you up to date on your current place in line and when to come in.**

Virtual Urgent Care Visits

ClearChoiceMD ‘s expert team of telehealth medical providers are here to evaluate and treat a variety of common illnesses and injuries through their virtual urgent care platform. The virtual visits are easily accessible and conveniently offered seven days a week from 8 AM – 6 PM, allowing you to get better faster starting from the convenience and comfort of your own home.

Please note that video capability is required for the Virtual Visit program. Please make sure you have a smartphone, tablet or computer with a camera, microphone and speaker.

Prior to your visit, please download the Zoom app and test the website on your device. To minimize wait time with registration, please take a picture of your license and a picture of the front and back of your insurance card in advance.

Important Links

NH Community Based Testing Options

A detailed map and listing of NH Community Based COVID-19 testing options.