Supporting Clients During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Telehealth

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued guidance outlining how telehealth (including teletherapy) can be provided and reimbursed to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this CMS guidance, clinical social workers (CSWs) can:

• Provide and be reimbursed for teletherapy to new or existing Medicare beneficiary clients
• Provide and be reimbursed for teletherapy provided to clients when clients are in their home

Learn more about Telehealth

Managing Anxiety

There is widespread anxiety about COVID-19, which is common in the case of epidemics and pandemics. There are still uncertainties about this disease which also fuels anxiety and panic. Current disruptions in day-to-day life, such as the quarantine of loved ones who are in long-term care or skilled nursing facilities, travel plan cancellations and school closures, also increase these feelings. Many people are experiencing mood problems, sleep issues, phobia and spikes in symptoms for pre-existing mental health disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Social workers are skilled in addressing the mental health-related dimensions of health crises. They help clients find constructive ways to manage their anxiety, especially if these worries are adversely impacting work performance, relationships, and daily routines. In addition, social workers help parents and guardians communicate with their children about COVID-19 and its impacts.

• Get training on how to support clients with anxiety through NASW’s CE Institute. 
• Read How to deal with disasters such as the coronavirus from Help Starts Here.
• Read Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak from WHO

Quarantine or Containment Controls

As COVID-19 is being monitored globally and across the United States, public health guidance is rapidly changing. Social workers can help individuals manage quarantine and service access issues when COVID-19 is identified in their area. If schools are closed for extended periods, how can families plan for the care of their children?  While travel is restricted, are there relatives and neighbors who will need assistance? Do families have food, household supplies, and necessary medications while they remain at home? Are volunteers needed to support health care and other essential workers?

Securing Health Insurance Coverage

One of the most important interventions at this time is to ensure that individuals have health insurance coverage. Health insurance coverage enables people to receive preventive medical care to identify underlying risk factors that could make them vulnerable to infectious diseases. It also enables individuals to access timely, appropriate care when they are sick. Individuals and families that qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid can enroll at any time of the year, and there are enrollment options online, by phone, by mail or in person. 

For more information, visit insurekidsnow.gov and healthcare.gov.

Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP

NASW Practice Alert: Medicaid Considerations to Support Communities During COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

CMS has provided the following fact sheets on payment for medically necessary medical services related to COVID-19:

• Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19: Medicaid and CHIP - CMS
• Coverage and Payment Related to COVID-19: Medicare - CMS

Private Health Insurance COVID-19 Guides

Private health plans have dedicated COVID-19 guides on their websites for providers and patients.

• Individual and Small Group Market Insurance Coverage - CMS
• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• Kaiser Permanente
• Magellan
• United Healthcare

Partner Resources

• American Society of Addiction Medicine
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• National Council of Behavioral Health
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
• COVID-19: Strategies and Techniques for Disaster Behaviorial Health Responders - This webinar outlines ways disaster behavioral health responders (DBH) can take of themselves and how DBH leaders can guide their organizations, employees, and consumers through the coronavirus crisis by managing fears and negative behaviors.