Testing
- On-campus testing is available for symptomatic students through Student Health Services, make an appointment.
- Rapid tests may be available at local stores and pharmacies.
- Surveillance testing is no longer required.
If You're Symptomatic
Students
Begin masking at the first sign of symptoms and seek at-home testing, if available.
- Follow our protocols if you test positive
- Contact Student Health Services or make an appointment for guidance
- If you are sick enough to need care after hours or on the weekend, please access Urgent Care or the Emergency Department through Community Memorial Hospital. If you are experiencing a medical emergency (severe shortness of breath, severe chest pain, severe constant lightheadedness, confusion, or any symptoms that cannot wait for a return phone call), call 911.
Employees
Do not report to work if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
- Seek testing through a medical provider, urgent care center, pharmacy or an at-home test
- Contact your supervisor to address staffing concerns
- Follow our protocols if you test positive
Employee COVID Test Insurance Info
Physician and Pharmacy Tests
Colgate’s health insurance providers, Excellus and OptumRx, cover some COVID testing. Excellus provides coverage when a physician orders the test and deems it medically necessary. Testing is also offered at some pharmacy locations without an order from a physician. There is no out-of-pocket expense to the member if the pharmacy submits the claim directly to OptumRx; otherwise, it is the member’s responsibility.
Tests performed at Kinney Drugs in Hamilton and CVS in Clinton
- Currently, the pharmacies at Kinney Drugs in Hamilton and CVS in Clinton will submit the claim with no cost to the member, simply show them your OptumRx ID card.
Tests Performed at Dougherty Pharmacy
- Currently, Dougherty Pharmacy in Hamilton will not submit the claim to OptumRx for a rapid antigen test (costs $65). Therefore, the member is responsible for paying the full cost of the test at the time of service. The antigen test currently offered at Dougherty in Hamilton does not have the appropriate NDC and cannot be covered by Colgate’s plan, even if you submit it.
- Dougherty Pharmacy in Morrisville has a molecular nasal swab test, and their pharmacy will submit to OptumRx for this.
Most pharmacies require an appointment for a COVID test. Please contact the pharmacy for appointment details.
Effective January 15, 2022, new federal regulatory guidance requires that medical plans must provide coverage for the cost of over-the-counter (OTC) at-home COVID-19 antigen tests, including tests obtained without a healthcare provider’s order or authorization.
Three Coverage Options
Pay $0 at a preferred network pharmacy
Visit a Walmart, Sam’s Club or Rite Aid pharmacy and simply go to the pharmacy counter, present your Optum prescription drug ID card, and ask to have your OTC at-home COVID-19 test kits submitted to your plan for coverage. Optum anticipates adding other pharmacies as they become operationally ready.
Purchase a kit and then submit an electronic form for reimbursement
You can also purchase an OTC at-home COVID-19 test kit at other stores or online retailers. Keep your purchase receipt(s) to submit for reimbursement. To receive the quickest possible reimbursement of up to $12 per test*, submit an electronic claim form by visiting optumrx.com/testinfo.
Purchase a kit and then print and mail in a paper reimbursement form
If you prefer to submit your claim by mail, you can print a form at optumrx.com/testinfo and then mail it in. Reimbursement applies up to $12 per test*. Please note: you will receive reimbursement more quickly if you submit an electronic claim.
*The reimbursement is for each test, not per box purchased. For example, if the box contains two test kits, the reimbursement will be up to $24.
Which COVID-19 tests are covered?
Coverage includes OTC at-home COVID-19 test kits authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The most common tests are BinaxNOW™, Flowflex™, InteliSwab™, On/Go™ and QuickVue®.
Currently, the Carestart home test kits sold at Dougherty Pharmacy are not covered by Optum. This will change as carriers update their systems. If you purchase a kit that is not currently covered by our plan save your receipts so that you can submit for reimbursement if the test kits get approved for reimbursement.
Is there a limit to how many tests will be covered?
Yes. Covered members can get up to 8 individual tests per month, e.g., a family of 4 would be eligible for 32 tests a month.
Visit optumrx.com/testinfo or call OptumRx at 1-855-227-8568 for the latest updates and information.
Can I use my flex card to make purchases?
The cost of OTC antigen test kits can be reimbursed through your flexible spending account if the cost of the test kit is greater than the reimbursement from the insurance carrier or if you do not request reimbursement from the insurance carrier. As a reminder, save all receipts.
If you have questions, contact Lifetime Benefit Solutions at 800-327-7130 or LBS.CustomerService@LifetimeBenefitSolutions.com.
I don’t have an Optum ID card, how do I get a new one?
Contact Relph Benefit Advisors/Alera at 1-800-836-0026 x 7400 to order a new id card.
Contact Tracing
- Colgate and Madison County are no longer conducting formal contact tracing. Anyone who tests positive will be instructed to directly notify their close contacts.
- Close contacts are defined as being within six feet of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes in a 24 hour period starting two days before their symptoms began.
If you have been identified as a close contact, follow our quarantine protocols.
Respecting Medical Privacy
In accordance with federal law related to health information, individuals and their testing results cannot be publicly identified. Vaccination records, as with all medical records, will be stored securely and accessed only by those with a need to know. Please respect others’ privacy — even if you believe you know someone’s vaccination status or test results — so they can focus completely on their health.