COVID-19 Information Update & Vaccination Plans

The Trust has received informative communications from PacificSource about the recent approval of the COVID-19 vaccine approval and we would like to share it with our community – even if you are not in our plan.

Here is our latest COVID-19 video from PacificSource’s Chief Medical Advisor on how the vaccine works and general things to know about the vaccine:

Key information from PacificSource:

1. Distribution
   1. Vaccine distribution is handled by each state, thus priority of who is to receive the vaccine is handled by the State.
   2. Healthcare workers will receive first doses (beginning last week), as recommended by the CDC. Long term care facility residents are also at the top of the list.
   3. As doses continue to become available, shipments will continue to be sent to each state.
   4. Different sites/officials are stating somewhat differing timelines for mass public availability, stating as early as Spring 2021. I think this timeline will shift based on how many drug manufacturers are approved to provide the vaccine, and how many people in the approved populations (ie healthcare workers, first responders, high risk, etc) choose to get the vaccine.
   5. It appears the initial doses will be shipped and administered through hospitals, although this will shift over the coming months.
2. Dosing – The vaccine is delivered in two shots, approx. 3 weeks apart.
3. Cost/Plan Benefit
   1. The cost of the vaccine itself is being paid for by the US Government.
   2. Providers will likely still charge an administration fee for each dose. This charge will be paid at 100% by PacificSource/Plan Sponsors.
   3. Whenever a member is able to receive the vaccine, the claim billed to PacificSource will process with $0 member cost.
      1. We are ready to receive claims whenever they start coming in, via both medical providers/facilities and pharmacy.
4. Learn more about what PacificSource is doing tied to Coronavirus:
   https://blog.pacificsource.com/home/covid-19-updates/

OTHER RESOURCES

Explaining the VACCINE priority in Oregon

• https://covidvaccine.oregon.gov/#prioritization
• Complete overview of the Oregon Plan (PDF document)

Explaining the VACCINE priority in Washington

• https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/Vaccine
• Complete overview of the Washington Plan (PDF document)

COVID-19 Updates