The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to raise questions about what your plan covers. Several frequently asked questions (FAQs) are addressed below, along with information on vaccine availability, and links to updated COVID-19 information. For additional questions or concerns, contact the Member Services team at (855) 624-6463, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., or via email memberservices@healthoptions.org.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Q: Which COVID-19 vaccines are FDA approved?
A: Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine to receive FDA approval. The vaccine, previously known as Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, now goes by the brand name Comirnaty. This vaccine is approved for individuals 16 years of age or older. Individuals 5 through 15 years of age can continue to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Two other vaccines, produced by Moderna and J&J/Janssen, are available for adults under the EUA. This is summarized in the table below.
^FDA-approved for individuals 16 years and older under the Comirnaty brand
Q: Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: All people aged 5 or older are eligible for, and encouraged to get, a COVID-19 vaccination. If you need help scheduling an appointment or want to know if a site near you is offering vaccinations without an appointment, call the Maine COVID-19 Community Vaccination Line at 1-888-445-4111, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For an updated list of COVID-19 vaccine sites in Maine, visit: maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/vaccination-sites
Q: Are there vaccines available for children under age 12?
A: Yes, Pfizer-BioNTech is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently available for children 5 to 11 years old.
Q: Where will children 5 to 11 years old receive their COVID-19 vaccination?
A: You may hear directly from your health care provider or your child’s school about getting a vaccine, or you may contact locations offering appointments or drop-in with no appointment necessary. If you need help scheduling an appointment, or want to know if a site near you offers vaccinations without an appointment, call the Maine COVID-19 Community Vaccination Line at 1-888-445-4111 or visit maine.gov/covid19/vaccines/vaccination-sites.
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster
Q: Do I need a booster dose?
A: The U.S. CDC recommends that some individuals who received the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines get a booster dose. The U.S. CDC recommends that all individuals who are 18 years old and who received the J&J/Janssen vaccine at least two months ago receive a booster dose. For people who got the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
Q: Do I have to get the same COVID-19 vaccine booster (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen) as my original COVID-19 vaccine series?
A: No. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may prefer the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. The U.S. CDC’s recommendations now allow individuals to get any of the approved and authorized vaccines as a booster, regardless of what initial doses they received.
Q: Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine at the same time?
A: Yes. Aside from the usual side effects related to your vaccines, such as soreness at the site of the injection and general feelings of lethargy and achiness, it is safe to get both your COVID-19 vaccine and your flu shot at the same time, though, for your own comfort, you may want to choose different arms.
Q: Do I have to get a booster to be considered fully vaccinated?
A: No. At this time, you are considered fully vaccinated once you are 14 days out from the final dose of your initial vaccine, whether that was the two-shot Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or your single-shot J&J/Janssen vaccine.
COVID-19 Testing
Q: Who should be tested for COVID-19?
A: Current US CDC guidance indicates the following people should get tested for COVID-19:
- People who have symptoms of COVID-19
- People who have had a known exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
- People who are fully vaccinated should get tested 5-7 days after exposure and wear a mask in public indoor settings for 14 days or until they receive a negative test result.
- People who are not fully vaccinated should quarantine and be tested immediately after being identified, and, if negative, tested again in 5–7 days after last exposure or immediately if symptoms develop during quarantine.
- People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who are prioritized for expanded community screening for COVID-19.
- People not fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine who have been asked or referred to get testing by their school, workplace, healthcare provider, state, tribal, local or territorial health department.
Q: Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
A: Maine CDC maintains an updated list of COVID-19 testing sites, organized by county, town, provider, and test type. The site also includes a description of the types of COVID-19 tests and other frequent FAQs.
As a reminder, please bring your health insurance ID card with you whenever you seek medical care, including any appointments for COVID-19 testing or vaccine administration.
COVID-19 related stress and anxiety
Q: Where can I get help for COVID-19 related stress and anxiety?
A: Health Options offers a provider lookup tool to help find a behavioral health provider near you. Health Options and some providers offer telehealth services. If you are experiencing an emergency, dial 911, go to a local emergency room or call the State of Maine Crisis Hotline at 1-888-568-1112. Mayo Clinic offers these Tips to Help You Manage Stress Related to COVID-19
Health Options Member information
Q: Will Health Options cover provider appointments, screening, and treatment related to COVID-19? If so, when?
A: Cost is not a barrier to our Members’ receiving COVID-19 testing. We are waiving cost-sharing for the following services: provider-recommended COVID-19 testing, the associated lab processing fees, and the office, ER, or urgent care visit to collect the specimen. Also, for services received through December 31, 2021, we are waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatment among our in-network acute care facilities. All other testing, treatment, and services are subject to applicable cost-share.
General COVID-19 information
For all other general COVID-19 information, please visit the following sites online:
- Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ME CDC) COVID-19 Updates and Information: maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/airborne/coronavirus
- State of Maine COVID-19 Response, Office of the Governor: maine.gov/covid19
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) COVID-19 site: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov or call 1-800-232-4636 and choose Option 8.
- In Maine, Dial 211 or 1-866-811-5695 to receive answers about more general topics such as steps to protect oneself from the virus, testing options, and travel restrictions.
- Visit get-tested-covid19.org to find a nearby COVID-19 testing center.
- Learn more about how the FDA ensures the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines at www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines