COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update
Copyright © Kingston Trust Fund Plan
UPDATES: As of May 11, 2023, the Federal Public Health Emergency for COVID 19 ended. It marks the end of some of the free health services that were available during the pandemic. See the May 2023 issue of The Trustee (Newsletter).
TESTING: **FREE AT-HOME COVID TEST KITS**
Every home in the U.S. can order 4 free at-home Covid-19 tests directly from the federal government. There are no shipping costs and you do not have to enter a credit card number. Go to: COVIDTESTS.GOV.
Free at-home Test kit and mask distribution in various municipalities. Contact your municipality. The CDC and HHS has mandated no cost distribution of at-home testing kits by health insurance groups nationwide. Each eligible Trust member and dependent is eligible for eight (8) tests/month. Medicare members are not eligible.
Approved at home testing kits may be purchased wherever available. Submit your receipt with the COVID OTC Test Claim Form.
NOTICE
Federal guidance does not require coverage of routine tests that employers or other institutions may require. Each test must be deemed medically appropriate for testing for COVID-19 (molecular, antigen, or antibody) and the individual has signs or symptoms of COVID-19. Any additional testing must be pre-approved.
BE CAUTIOUS
Variants of Covid-19 remain and are especially prominent in the more populated states where more dense population areas exist. When in areas where you are in close proximity to a large number of people, the use of masks and social distancing are encouraged. Seniors are additionally encouraged to get, at least, a second booster shot.
VACCINE
Schools may have mandated rules for masks, social distancing, vaccinations, and testing. If you are not vaccinated, then you may be subject to frequent testing. Routine tests are not covered by the Trust plan.
MONKEYPOX
Governor Hochul has declared a state of emergency in NYS. The spread is especially prominent in NYC where 20% of the nation's cases are located. Ulster County has not had a case yet, but all surrounding counties have had at least one. It is spread by fluids through personal contact. Vaccines have been in short supply but will be available in greater numbers beginning in August.