January 25, 2022
January 20th, 2022 marked the two year anniversary of the first laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. During the past 24 months of this pandemic, we have seen the good, the bad, and at times the ugly ranging from the significant scientific advances, the courage of our healthcare workers and first responders, to the toll of lives lost and widespread mental health deterioration, to the racial violence and the divisiveness on combating this virus.
Ventegra is committed to the idea that "knowledge is power" – but during this pandemic, we feel it is important to elaborate that "knowledge is power when based on good science and information." Adding to the complexity is the speed and amount of information we receive that results in “what we know today may change tomorrow.” The emergence of new variants are good examples of this. Despite this information overload and continuous changes, some messages have been steadfast: get vaccinated, practice mitigation strategies, and be good human beings to one another.
COVID cases are beginning to show downward trends. During the White House COVID-19 briefing this past Friday, it was stated, that we were “not yet finished” and “we're moving toward a time when COVID won't disrupt our daily lives, where COVID won’t be a constant crisis but something we protect against and treat.”
It remains Ventegra’s deep commitment to our clients to provide the most updated and relevant one-stop-shop resource on COVID-19.
Key highlights for this update:
- The Omicron variant continues to represent the dominant strain in the number of sequenced COVID-19 cases
- CDC’s revised masking recommendations
- OTC COVID-19 testing coverage requirements for insurance companies and group health plans
- COCA webinars on CDC’s quarantine and isolation guidelines and new oral antiviral medications
COVID-19 Variants
The Omicron variant continues to be the dominant strain and represents 95.5% of the sequenced COVID-19 cases. Two Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Reports (MMWR) released by the CDC on January 21, 2022 concluded that staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster when eligible, provided the best protection against COVID infections for Delta and Omicron.
A January 19, 2022 MMWR found that individuals unvaccinated without a previous infection had the highest risk of infection and hospitalization compared to those previously infected, vaccinated without a previous infection or vaccinated with a previous infection. Prior to the Delta, vaccinated individuals showed greater protection over those previously infected but this changed with Delta and those previously infected showed lower case rates compared to those vaccinated alone. The authors concluded the COVID-19 epidemiology might change with new variants but vaccinations remain the safest strategy for future SARS-CoV-2 infections, hospitalizations, long-term sequelae and death.
CDC Revised Masking Recommendations
The CDC revised their masking recommendation by adding information on different types of masks (e.g. surgical, cloth etc.), higher filtration respirators (N95, KN95) and when to consider using a respirator versus a mask in higher-risk scenarios. It also contained the do’s and don’ts of various masks and the use of mask layering. The CDC continues to emphasize the importance of using a mask that fits well and that you will wear consistently.
On January 19th, the Biden administration announced they would make 400 million nonsurgical N95 masks available free of charge at community health centers and retail pharmacies across the U.S. Expect to see more detailed information on this in coming weeks.
OTC COVID-19 Testing Coverage Requirements
Self-testing for COVID-19 with over-the-counter (OTC) tests is one of many risk-reduction measures we can employ to reduce the chances of spreading SARS-CoV-2. On January 10th, 2022, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced that effective January 15th, 2022, insurance companies and group health plans would be required to cover up to eight (8) At-Home Over-The-Counter (OTC) COVID-19 Antigen tests per member per month without a prescription at zero cost and no deductible. The quantity limit of eight test can be overridden if prescribed by a licensed clinician.
CMS strongly encouraged and incentivized plans to have a direct coverage option, so members do not experience any out-of-pocket cost. Plans without a direct coverage option are required to reimburse at the members’ billed charges. Plans that have a direct coverage option can reimburse members up to $12 per test or their billed charges, whichever is less. Purchases made prior to January 15th are not eligible for plan reimbursement.
The following week on January 18th, the federal government opened their www.covidtest.gov website enabling every U.S. home to order four (4) free at-home COVID-19 tests. In addition, some states are making free test kits available to their residents so check your state public health department website.
CDC’s Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA)
The CDC has provided multiple COCA webinars throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Two recent COCA webinars were on topics that have received a lot of attention as of late: (1) Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines (2) New Oral Antiviral Medications.
Highlights include:
· The impact of Omicron on guidelines
· Differences between healthcare and non-healthcare settings guidelines
· The rationale for shortening quarantine and isolation periods
· The use of antigen testing within guidelines
Highlights include:
· The impact of Omicron with current therapeutics
· The distribution of oral antivirals
· Information on Paxlovid™ and molnupiravir
· Therapies and prioritization for non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients with limited supplies
