Benefits

ERS health plans’ diabetic supply coverage

Managing diabetes is more important than ever during the ongoing pandemic. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes are more likely to have serious complications from COVID-19––but their risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 is likely to be lower if their diabetes is well-managed.

During ERS’ benefits webinars, employees often ask about diabetes management resources provided under the Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) health plans and, more specifically, how diabetic supplies are covered.

Every GBP health plan offers resources to manage diabetes. Some plans provide coverage for certain diabetic supplies. Let’s take a look at what each GBP health plan offers as of September 1, 2020.

HealthSelect plans, administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX)

  • HealthSelect of Texas® and HealthSelectSMOut-of-State: Participants will pay nothing for diabetic supplies such as certain brands of test strips, and lancets and lancing devices under the HealthSelectSM Prescription Drug Program (PDP), administered by OptumRx, when they use an in-network pharmacy and present their prescription drug ID card.
  • Consumer Directed HealthSelectSM: Lancets, lancing devices, syringes, pen needles and OneTouch test strips are available at no cost after participants meet their annual deductible.
  • For more information about diabetic supplies coverage, see BCBSTX’s Diabetic Supply Comparison Chart. Also September News About Your Benefits article has more information.
  • For more information specifically about the HealthSelect PDP’s diabetic supply coverage, visit the OptumRx website and click on “Education resources” to view the coverage flyer.

Source: ERS Update Express (February 2021)