Pennsylvania - New Travel Guidelines/Requirements

[nkereina]

If you have health insurance, it’s 100% covered.

If not, it’s free as long as you meet a one of the ‘conditions’ that been established. Details available on the manufacturers’ & testing site websites

Here in NY, health insurance only covers the cost of a test if you are symptomatic and/or have a referral from your doctor. Without that, you either need to visit a state run testing site where there is no cost or pay $150+ for one. And unfortunately, state run sites are few and far between here.

 

[keishashadow]

Here in NY, health insurance only covers the cost of a test if you are symptomatic and/or have a referral from your doctor. Without that, you either need to visit a state run testing site where there is no cost or pay $150+ for one. And unfortunately, state run sites are few and far between here.

Wow

 

[easyas123]

If you have health insurance, it’s 100% covered

I'm in MD, and I have United Healthcare. I just called them this morning prior, they are currently NOT covering/reimbursing for at home Covid tests.
I was hoping to order one to have 'in case', but can't unless I want to pay out of pocket for the test & any subsequent lab costs not included in the initial cost of the test itself, my insurance will not be covering it.

Just thought I'd pass this on incase the info helps anyone.

 

[AlohaNow]

Your insurance will cover this 100%

If you have health insurance, it’s 100% covered.

I'd be very careful about making blanket statements such as these. Each person's health insurance contract is extremely different, and based on specific state law. To those with fabulous coverage, consider yourselves very fortunate!

 

[MrsBooch]

I'd be very careful about making blanket statements such as these. Each person's health insurance contract is extremely different, and based on specific state law. To those with fabulous coverage, consider yourselves very fortunate!

it was part of the CARES act....there is readily available literature all over but i've linked the government website below.

so I dont know that you're exactly right.

https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/for-patients/index.html

 

[easyas123]

it was part of the CARES act....there is readily available literature all over but i've linked the government website below.

so I dont know that you're exactly right.

https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/for-patients/index.html

I talked directly to my insurance company this morning, they specifically said they are not currently covering it. As of this exact moment in time, they are not covering. 100% NOT covering it.
Perhaps because it is not a difficult process to get a test in my area w/o a Dr. order , and all associated costs with that test are covered by Cares Act or other legislation/programs/insert appropriate word here? I don't know, but they are not. Hopefully most folks will find that theirs insurance does cover it - a simple phone call to your insurance company will confirm either way.

 

[MrsBooch]

I talked directly to my insurance company this morning, they specifically said they are not currently covering it. As of this exact moment in time, they are not covering. 100% NOT covering it.
Perhaps because it is not a difficult process to get a test in my area w/o a Dr. order , and all associated costs with that test are covered by Cares Act or other legislation/programs/insert appropriate word here? I don't know, but they are not. Hopefully most folks will find that theirs insurance does cover it - a simple phone call to your insurance company will confirm either way.

If you are in MD why are you concerned about PA restrictions.

 

[Kim&Chris]

I'm confused. Is the expectation that you receive your COVID test while in Disney (or wherever) 72 hours before you return to PA?

 

[easyas123]

If you are in MD why are you concerned about PA restrictions.

I'm not. I was speaking specifically about the at home tests. I only every commented about the at home tests, never mentioned a single thing about PA restrictions, although it does interest me as I live in North Eastern MD and work or family reasons could see me going to PA (or NJ), and what happens there in terms of Covid restrictions sometimes crosses state lines into MD.
But I thought it might be helpful info those, like me - who live near PA. Who might have to drive into PA for work, and/or those of us who utilize PA airports, such as PHL like we do. Or those, like me, who were very interested in the possibility of utilizing a at home test if possible, whether for themselves or other family members.

 

[DeeBee3]

Me either

What’s to say you aren’t exposed after the test when out of the state & bring that ‘souvenir’ back home? They should require a 2nd rapid test once in the state

In NY, you have to have a 2nd negative once you get home in order to opt out of quarantine.

 

[Carrie Gruber]

I'm in the same boat, we leave next Friday morning. I went on the Labcorp website but it has an update as of yesterday:

11/19 update: Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, kits are currently reserved for individuals experiencing symptoms or those who have been asked to get tested by a healthcare provider, public health department, or contact investigator

I tried twice to get through the questionnaire but even if you select that you work in a congregate setting but have a low risk, you can't get the test kit I don't want to answer that I'm high risk if I'm not, but it seems like that is the only way to get a test kit from them at this time.

My backup plan is to go to the Maingate testing site before we leave the following week, but I'm of the mindset that we can be exposed at any time after we get the test so what good is it anyway? Thinking of just doing the suggested quarantine once we get home and watch for symptoms and if we feel the need, get tested at the local walk-in center.

 

[MrsBooch]

I'm in the same boat, we leave next Friday morning. I went on the Labcorp website but it has an update as of yesterday:

11/19 update: Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, kits are currently reserved for individuals experiencing symptoms or those who have been asked to get tested by a healthcare provider, public health department, or contact investigator

I tried twice to get through the questionnaire but even if you select that you work in a congregate setting but have a low risk, you can't get the test kit I don't want to answer that I'm high risk if I'm not, but it seems like that is the only way to get a test kit from them at this time.

My backup plan is to go to the Maingate testing site before we leave the following week, but I'm of the mindset that we can be exposed at any time after we get the test so what good is it anyway? Thinking of just doing the suggested quarantine once we get home and watch for symptoms and if we feel the need, get tested at the local walk-in center.

shoot!! that stinks. - we ordered 11/18 - i did NOT select high risk or even anything related to symptoms - just "no symptoms" and the entry where it said "is this required for travel or other"

There are OTHER order for at home tests but they typically cost you up front (you should be able to pay with HSA) and then potentially get reimbursed.
Costco is selling a kit for $129
I can't remember the others without searching though and because I didn't research it I don't know if their requirements have changed to be only for high risk situations similar to Pixel.

DISCLAIMER I AM NOT AN INSURANCE EXPERT I AM NOT IN THE MEDICAL FIELD I AM JUST WRITING ABOUT MY EXPERIENCES...I HOPE PEOPLE DO THEIR OWN HOMEWORK REGARDING OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES SHOULD ANY BE INCURRED... i hope that satisfies everyone..

 

[Carrie Gruber]

shoot!! that stinks. - we ordered 11/18 - i did NOT select high risk or even anything related to symptoms - just "no symptoms" and the entry where it said "is this required for travel or other"

There are OTHER order for at home tests but they typically cost you up front (you should be able to pay with HSA) and then potentially get reimbursed.
Costco is selling a kit for $129
I can't remember the others without searching though and because I didn't research it I don't know if their requirements have changed to be only for high risk situations similar to Pixel.

DISCLAIMER I AM NOT AN INSURANCE EXPERT I AM NOT IN THE MEDICAL FIELD I AM JUST WRITING ABOUT MY EXPERIENCES...I HOPE PEOPLE DO THEIR OWN HOMEWORK REGARDING OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES SHOULD ANY BE INCURRED... i hope that satisfies everyone..

No worries, I just decided a couple of days too late to order one LOL. I'm going to discuss our options with the rest of my crew and see if they want to go to the testing site at Maingate or just do the quarantine when we get back. I'm hoping that if we go to Maingate early in the morning we won't have too long of a wait.

 

[joelkfla]

a simple phone call to your insurance company will confirm either way.

Calling my insurance company is never simple.

 

[easyas123]

Calling my insurance company is never simple.

ha! Yeah, good point!

 

[ramee]

I'm not. I was speaking specifically about the at home tests. I only every commented about the at home tests, never mentioned a single thing about PA restrictions, although it does interest me as I live in North Eastern MD and work or family reasons could see me going to PA (or NJ), and what happens there in terms of Covid restrictions sometimes crosses state lines into MD.
But I thought it might be helpful info those, like me - who live near PA. Who might have to drive into PA for work, and/or those of us who utilize PA airports, such as PHL like we do. Or those, like me, who were very interested in the possibility of utilizing a at home test if possible, whether for themselves or other family members.

I clicked on this thread to see if anyone commented on living close to state line. We would cross often. Work. Family. I prefer the grocery store and pharmacy there. I guess I’ll get use to driving a bit more to the store on my side of the border.

 

[MrsBooch]

I clicked on this thread to see if anyone commented on living close to state line. We would cross often. Work. Family. I prefer the grocery store and pharmacy there. I guess I’ll get use to driving a bit more to the store on my side of the border.

if you travel for work you're excluded.

 

[ramee]

if you travel for work you're excluded.

Right. I think it was travel for work or health care is excluded. I should shop in PA anyway. No tax on food? We recently moved here and haven’t really branches out yet.

 

[Sandisw]

Here in NY, health insurance only covers the cost of a test if you are symptomatic and/or have a referral from your doctor. Without that, you either need to visit a state run testing site where there is no cost or pay $150+ for one. And unfortunately, state run sites are few and far between here.

The WellNow offices here in the Syracuse area will cover the cost of the test when its travel related, So. there are places that cover for free.

We have some new places being up and running here in Onondaga County that will be covering the tests for asymptotic people for similar reasons.

Hopefully, your area will begin to see more and easier testing like we are.

 

[keishashadow]

I'd be very careful about making blanket statements such as these. Each person's health insurance contract is extremely different, and based on specific state law. To those with fabulous coverage, consider yourselves very fortunate!

Our health insurance is negotiated as part of DH’s employment compensation, in lieu of actual (additional) salary. We do appreciate it and that his union negotiated this advantage 20 years ago.

My understandingIf you don’t have or your health insurance refuses to cover this, then the CARES act is designed to fill that gap.

11/19 update: Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases, kits are currently reserved for individuals experiencing symptoms or those who have been asked to get tested by a healthcare provider, public health department, or contact investigator

Since PA public health department is requiring a test within 72 hours of returning to the state, seems to me that the situation meets that requrement of “been asked to get tested by...public health department...”

YMMV.

Good luck to all with upcoming trips! we cancelled our Thanksgiving trip. Already did a fall one there, was verynice. Loved seeing dear friends yet, obviously not as nice as in past. Now, in planning mode for something late Spring