Press Releases

Highmark expands toll-free COVID-19 Hotline to assist Western Pennsylvanians locate testing sites

• New hotline provides information on COVID-19 testing locations near callers

PITTSBURGH (August 17, 2020) — Highmark announced today the expansion of a toll-free hotline to assist Western Pennsylvanians locate COVID-19 testing sites. The COVID-19 Hotline initially launched on July 22 exclusively to Highmark members and has now opened to the Western Pennsylvania community at large, including all Allegheny Health Network (AHN) patients.

“As COVID-19 cases remain steady, it’s vital that Western Pennsylvanians know where to go for testing,” shared Highmark President Deb Rice-Johnson. “In partnership with Allegheny Health Network, Highmark has worked to ensure ample testing locations are accessible throughout the region. The COVID-19 Hotline is another resource added to our toolbelt in our ongoing work to keep our communities safe and healthy.”

Upon calling the COVID-19 Hotline at (833) 227-9377, call center representatives will provide details regarding testing locations near the caller and contact information for the testing sites. Testing locations will include AHN-affiliated testing sites and non-affiliated testing providers within the caller’s vicinity. The COVID-19 Hotline will be open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. During off hours, callers can also request that they receive a call back the next day once the line re-opens.

The COVID-19 Hotline comes on the heels of Highmark’s recent efforts of providing over 1 million face coverings to members, high-risk individuals, and community organizations in need. Through utilizing small and diverse local Pittsburgh businesses, the manufacturing and distribution of the face coverings will continue through the remainder of the summer.

Highmark Health Plan has taken many additional proactive measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic through coverage expansions, increased options to access to care, support for its communities, providers and customers, and by providing resources to access help and information to ensure that our members, employees and communities are safe and can continue to receive care. Initially, Highmark expanded benefits to cover telehealth and inpatient, in-network COVID-19 treatment with no cost-sharing and has now extended that until September 30.

To support those affected by the pandemic, Highmark dedicated a web site (highmarkanswers.com) to answer questions and provide insight to the community and launched a stream of podcasts to assist in understanding issues surrounding COVID-19. Through its provider partners such as AHN in Western Pennsylvania and health systems in other communities, Highmark has actively supported COVID-19 testing, with a focus on underserved communities through mobile units. Highmark also committed $2 million in grants to food insecurity, safety net providers and COVID-19 relief organizations throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Delaware.