Coronavirus Resource Center

As Americans adapt to the challenges that the coronavirus has imposed on their daily lives and health, NTCA members are on the front lines, ensuring that employees and students can keep working from home.

Here are some valuable resources to help your company and employees as you keep America connected during this unprecedented time.

Resources for NTCA Members

Latest News and Information

March 21, 2022
NTCA's Group Health Program (GHP) has You Covered on Over-the-Counter (OTC) COVID-19 Tests 
Although cases seem to be on a downward trend for the moment, testing for COVID-19 continues to be an important way to limit the spread of the virus. The GHP medical plan covers at-home COVID-19 tests for plan participants and their covered dependents. This benefit covers up to eight tests during a 30-day period per individual during the public health emergency. Effective April 1, 2022, GHP will implement the Over-The-Counter COVID-19 at-home test program through Express Scripts. Participants enrolled in a GHP medical plan can visit their local retail pharmacy participating with Express Scripts or order online from Express Scripts® Pharmacy for at-home COVID-19 tests at no upfront costs during the national health emergency.* Adoption of this program allows for direct coverage without having to pay up front and obtain reimbursement.  If the tests are purchased through any other retailer, reimbursement will be allowed up to $12 per test by completing and submitting the Express Scripts Prescription Drug Reimbursement Form to Express Scripts. Visit the NTCA Benefits Program Coronavirus Resource Center for claim instructions and other information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and testing kits.

*Participants who have Medicare as their primary payer and GHP as their secondary payer will not be able to access the Express Scripts program and will need to continue to submit claims for reimbursement directly to GHP until Medicare offers an Over-The-Counter COVID-19 at-home test program.

January 25, 2022
Biden Administration to Withdraw COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate
The Biden administration is withdrawing its Covid-19 vaccination and testing regulation aimed at large businesses, following the Supreme Court's decision to block the rule earlier this month. The US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Tuesday it will be withdrawing the vaccination and testing emergency temporary standard for businesses with 100 or more employees, according to a statement on the agency's website.

January 20, 2022
Free N95 Masks to be Made Available Next Week
The Biden administration announced today that they will make 400 million N95 masks available to Americans at no charge. N95 masks are made of more densely woven material and better protect against the COVID-19 virus than cloth or surgical masks. Three masks will be available to each household at pharmacies and health centers by next week.

January 19, 2022
Postal Service Now Taking Orders for Free COVID-19 Test Kits
The website COVIDtests.gov formally launched today, and the U.S. Postal Service began taking orders for free at-home coronavirus test kits. Each household order will contain four rapid tests, which the Postal Service says will be shipped for free in late January.

January 14, 2022
At-Home Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Test Coverage Under NTCA’s Group Health Program
On Monday, January 10, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury released regulatory guidance in response to President Biden’s recent order that requires group health plans to cover at-home over-the-counter (OTC) COVID-19 rapid diagnostic tests. The NTCA Group Health Program (GHP) will comply with the issued guidance for covering FDA emergency approved at-home COVID-19 tests. Please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for the latest information about COVID-19 testing. GHP medical plan participants and their covered dependents may submit a claim for reimbursement for at-home OTC COVID-19 tests purchased on or after January 15, 2022. This new policy covers up to 8 tests during a 30-day period per individual during the public health emergency. Claim forms are available here on the NTCA website. A fully completed and signed claim form, along with receipts and UPC barcodes for the OTC COVID-19 tests, are required for reimbursement. Please note that OTC COVID-19 tests utilized for surveillance purposes for return to work or school will not be eligible for reimbursement. Additionally, claims submissions are not acceptable by email, but must be submitted by fax at (828) 255-9510 or by mail to: NTCA Benefits Group Health Program, 30 Town Square Blvd., Suite 300, Asheville, NC 28803. Please know that our benefits resource specialists are available to answer questions and assist with submitting claims. You can reach them Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern, at (828) 281-9000 or [email protected].    

January 14, 2022
Supreme Court Blocks COVID Mandate for Private Companies
On Thursday, January 13, the Supreme Court blocked the Biden administration from enforcing its sweeping vaccine-or-test requirements for large private companies, but allowed a vaccine mandate to stand for medical facilities that take Medicare or Medicaid payments. NTCA will continue to monitor this news story and will post an updated version of the COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Laws: Frequently Asked Questions for NTCA Members document to this page soon.

How and When You Should  Get Vaccinated


 

Reopening

 


Thank You, NTCA Members!

 

 
 

A live, weekly update for NTCA members on the most pressing issues for rural broadband providers, plus a deeper dive on essential information to help you stay prepared for whatever the future may bring.


 

 

SEE ALL UPCOMING WEBINARS

VIEW WEBINAR CALENDAR

 

 

Webinar Archives*
*A members only resource. Must be logged in to view.

Missed out on one of our highly anticipated online events? You're in luck because we have the recordings here for you to watch at your convenience. 

VIEW ARCHIVES