CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield to start volunteer program for coronavirus response and relief

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Friday announced a volunteer program available for the company’s licensed clinicians in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This initiative offers CareFirst employees, who are licensed nurses and behavioral health practitioners, the opportunity to volunteer their time, resources and expertise during this public health crisis.

Cases of COVID-19 are escalating at a rapid pace and contributing to widespread strain on health care provider organizations. Hospitals are reaching capacity at an alarming rate resulting in a high demand for medical professionals across the region. In response to this disruption, CareFirst’s volunteer program will offer clinicians the opportunity to volunteer their services to support direct patient care.

This announcement is part of CareFirst’s ongoing philanthropic commitment to rapidly address the urgent complexities people and communities continue to face as a result of COVID-19. Also Friday, CareFirst announced financial flexibility for members and groups that are experiencing economic hardship. Customers can request a deferral of up to two months of premium with due amounts carried forward with no interest or penalty.

The deferred premium would be satisfied over time through scheduled periodic payments. This helps those customers experiencing challenges in this uncertain time smooth out financial impact and ensures continuity of care during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The outbreak is contributing to widespread interruption and loss of income for many consumers and businesses across the region. In response to this disruption, CareFirst is committed to ensuring that members’ policies are not cancelled for nonpayment of premium during the pandemic.

Earlier this month, in support of CareFirst’s not-for-profit mission, the company announced a $2 million contribution to nonprofit organizations working to provide coronavirus response and relief for communities throughout the region.

Clinical staff who participate in the volunteer service opportunity will be required to self-quarantine for 30 consecutive days prior to working onsite at CareFirst locations. CareFirst will closely monitor the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines on length of contagion periods, and revisit durations if needed.

CareFirst continues to work with its jurisdictions and public health authorities to alleviate barriers to care and provide support, data and expertise for the communities it serves. Visit CareFirst’s website to remain up to date on the latest information.

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