To Our Valued Clients and Partners

Since our update last week, schools in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho extended school closures through the remainder of the school year and moved all instruction online. They join 16 other states across the nation supporting social distancing measures to bend the curve of COVID-19. Governors Kate Brown and Jay Inslee offered ventilators to aid the shortages in New York, demonstrating unity and recognition of this national healthcare crisis. Western states are being featured in national news stories for setting the example and giving hope that behavior change can save lives. The data is promising as new COVID-19 hospitalization rates in Washington state have started to level off. This week the CDC announced a recommendation that everyone wear a mask in public places and continue to practice social distancing.

We want to share a few updates to help your business and your employees adjust to changes in your daily lives and in your business. Today's topics include:

  • A preview of COVID-19 reporting
  • More Telehealth and Telemedicine updates
  • Trends we are seeing and how they may affect your health plan
A preview of COVID-19 reporting you’ll be receiving soon

Two weeks ago we told you that we are developing new tools, measures, and information to help get ahead and stay ahead of this challenge facing all of us. This week we want to share with you a draft preview of our COVID-19 Impact report that will be available at the end of April and then quarterly. 
More Telehealth and Telemedicine Updates
MDLIVE wait time improvements
For clients with MDLIVE, we saw dramatic improvements on wait times dropping down to less than 90 minutes over the last week. MDLIVE has added providers to meet increasing demand.

Telemedicine member assets coming next week
You asked and we listened. Last week we provided an in-depth update on Telemedicine and Telehealth. Many asked that we provide member-facing information to help members understand their Telemedicine benefits. Early next week you will receive member-facing pdf flyers and email templates that you can share with your employees.
Trends we are seeing and how they may affect your health plan
We continue to see a trend where fully-insured plans are announcing that they will go beyond federal and state regulatory requirements and cover 100% of costs related to COVID-19 treatment. At this time we recommend that you hold on making a similar decision. The costs of COVID-19 treatment are yet undetermined and as the steward of your plan dollars, we want to understand such costs first to help you make an informed decision. We know that acute COVID-19 treatment may require extended hospitalization including an ICU stay.
Within our membership, claim volume for COVID-19 testing is steady. We’ve had several request for more information about COVID-19 antibody test availability. Antibody tests are just beginning trials and we are engaged and following this topic. We will keep you updated.

We’re Here for You
Our focus, dedication, and support remain steadfast as we navigate these unique times with you. Thank you for your continued trust in our organization. We hope you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy. Please reach out to your Account Manager if you have any questions or if there’s anything we can do to help.


Best Regards,

Lindsay Harris
Chief Growth Officer
RGA - Proving What’s Possible in Healthcare ®