Neighborhood is here to help – We want our members to be healthy and have the information they need. Below are common questions and answers about COVID-19, your plan benefits, keeping you and your loved ones safe and healthy, and much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Does my Neighborhood plan cover the COVID-19 vaccine?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at this time, the COVID-19 vaccine will not cost members anything. For the most current vaccine information, please visit the RIDOH website.
Neighborhood is committed to supporting members in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Neighborhood will cover costs related to the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine for all members.
Is there assistance with scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment?
United Way is available to assist Rhode Islander’s with scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Please contact them at 211 and chose option 9 for COVID-19 vaccine scheduling and information.
The Pfizer vaccine is now available for my 5-11 year old. How do I find information on vaccination clinics and the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children?
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children age 5 to 11 is now authorized for use. The CDC recommends everyone ages 5 and older get the COVID-19 vaccine to helpful protect against COVID-19.
Neighborhood is committed to supporting members in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Neighborhood will cover costs related to the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine for all members.
To find information on school and community based clinics please visit the RIDOH site. Appointments can also be made on VaccinateRI.org or by calling 1-844-930-1779.
To find more information on Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11, visit the CDC COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens site.
How do adults get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Free walk-ins for vaccinations are now available at many sites in Rhode Island for everyone age 16 and older. Many options are also available for ages 12-15.
Am I eligible to receive a Booster Shot?
According to the CDC, the COVID-19 Vaccine booster shots are available for the following vaccine recipients:
At least 6 months after your second
Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna shot for:
- People age 65 and older
- People age 18+ who live in long-term care facilities
- Age 18+ who have *underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings
At least 2 months after your second
Johnson & Johnson Janssen shot for:
- People age 18+
*Examples of underlying medical conditions include cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disease, dementia or other neurological conditions, diabetes, heart disease, HIV, pregnancy, Sickle cell disease, substance use disorders. Please see this CDC page for a full list and more information: People with Certain Medical Conditions – CDC.
For more information, please visit the CDC website – COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots
I am immunocompromised, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
According to the CDC, people with moderately to severely compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
Per the CDC, people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised make up about 3% of the adult population and are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 because they are more at risk of serious, prolonged illness. The CDC recommends this population get vaccinated against COVID-19.
For those that have received two doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and have moderately to severely compromised immune systems, the CDC recommends those individuals receive a third dose of Pfizer or Moderna at least 28 days after a second dose.
I am pregnant, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Per the CDC, the COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for all people 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future.
I do not drive. Is there transportation assistance to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is offering no-cost transportation to vaccine clinics throughout the State.
Please visit RIPTA to find out about fixed-route bus service and available routes at no cost.
Individuals who are Medicaid members or over the age of 60 may request transportation to a vaccination appointment through MTM online or by phone 1-855-330-9131 (TTY: 711), at least 48 hours before the vaccination appointment.
I am homebound, how can I get vaccinated?
RIDOH has partnered with three agencies to administer COVID-19 vaccines in the homes of Rhode Islanders whom are age 50 and older for appointment at vaccination clinics or for at-home vaccinations. If you are unable to leave your home, please contact the partner agency for your town to schedule an appointment.
Requests for in-home vaccination should be made Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM.
Please visit the RIDOH Vaccination at home page for information on the agency partnered with your town.
Where can I find information on COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Department of Health has created a COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ document that is updated regularly. It includes information on prevention, testing, treatment of COVID-19 and COVID-19 distribution in Rhode Island.
You can find the most current FAQ posted on RIDOH’s website.
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I currently have COVID-19?
No, you cannot get the COVID-19 vaccine if you are currently infected. If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you must wait until you have completed your isolation period and are considered recovered. It is uncommon for people who do get COVID-19 again to get it within 90 days of when they recovered from their first infection. For this reason, you can delay your vaccination until 90 days after infection, if you would like.
Please visit the RIDOH FAQ page for more information on COVID-19 prevention and vaccination.
I lost my vaccine card, where can I find my vaccine record?
Rhode Islanders can now get a copy of their COVID-19 vaccine record through portal.ri.gov/VaccineRecord. From this website, you can search for and print proof of your COVID-19 vaccination. If you need a second dose of vaccine, this record will tell you when you are eligible to get your second dose. Please note that only people who have received their COVID-19 vaccination in Rhode Island will be able to look up their vaccination record online.
Staples and Office Depot are offering to laminate vaccinations cards at no cost. Please check with you local Staples or Office Max for more information.
If you are having trouble finding your vaccination record or are not able to go online, you can call 401-222-8022 for help.
Are undocumented immigrants eligible for COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. Undocumented immigrants are eligible for vaccine in Rhode Island. No questions about immigration status will be asked at vaccination appointments. We do not share information with immigration authorities. *Please note that for vaccinations happening in Central Falls, you may be asked for proof of residency (e.g., identification, driver’s license, utility bill, rent bill). This is because they are prioritizing vaccine for community members. For more information and resources for undocumented immigrants, please see here.
COVID-19 Testing Information
Will the COVID-19 test be covered under my health plan?
If your doctor believes you need to be tested and you meet the COVID-19 testing guidelines, there is no preauthorization required, and Neighborhood will cover the cost of the test. You will not need to pay any copays, deductibles, or other cost-sharing.
Rhode Island also offers testing at locations across the state, find more information here.
How do I to get tested for COVID-19?
All Rhode Islanders can schedule a COVID-19 test at no cost, for themselves or their dependent child through portal.ri.gov regardless of whether they have symptoms or insurance.
All State testing sites require an appointment.
Staying safe and well during the COVID-19 pandemic
What is the Delta variant?
The COVID-19 Delta variant is now the most common variant of COVID-19 cases in Rhode Island. Per the Department of Health, the Delta variant spread more easily and quickly and may cause more serious illness. While unvaccinated people are most at risk for getting and spreading the Delta variant, it is possible for vaccinated people to get it as well. Whether or not you’re fully vaccinated, get tested right away if you get symptoms of COVID-19.
Should I wear a cloth face covering or a face mask?
If you are not fully vaccinated, wear a mask indoors and within three feet of others outdoors to protect yourself and your household from COVID-19. Your mask should fit snugly but comfortably over your nose, mouth, and chin without gaps.
Where to find support
Where can I find information on Community Resources?
For most up to date resources related to food assistance, prescription delivery, internet access for distance learning, information for seniors and veterans, and other programs please go to United Way of Rhode Island’s Community Resource page that is updated daily or call 2-11.
For information on the Emergency Broadband (Internet) Effort to help families and households struggling to afford internet services during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the Federal Communications Commission-Emergency Broadband Benefit page to see if you or your household qualifies.
For information about rent relief for renters and landlords, visit Rent Relief RI. This program will provide rental and utility relief payments to help eligible renters maintain housing stability.
For information on the resources available to Rhode Islanders during the COVID-19 crisis, visit The Economic Progress Institute.
Who can I call with a medical question?
Neighborhood has a Nurse Advice Line. Our Nurse Advice Line is available to all members. It has caring nurses available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To speak to a nurse, call the Neighborhood Nurse Advice Line at 1-844-617-0563 (TTY 711).
The nurse can help you with:
- Deciding where to go for care; like your provider, urgent care or the emergency room.
- Questions about your health concerns or medications.
- Taking care of your health at home.
The Nurse Advice Line is not an emergency service. Call 911 if you think you are having an emergency.
Understanding my health insurance benefits related to COVID-19
How can I use Neighborhood’s expanded telemedicine coverage?
Neighborhood has expanded telemedicine coverage for all members to include clinically appropriate and medically necessary services to support you in accessing care. If your plan usually has co pays, deductibles or other cost-sharing, you will not need to pay for the services outlined below.
Neighborhood will cover telemedicine/telephonic services provided by the following provider types:
- Primary care physicians
- All Medical Specialists – defined as any MD, DO, NP and PA
- Optometrists
- Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM’s)
- Lactation Consultants
- Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists
- Diabetes Educators
- Nutritionists
- Midwifes
- Urgent Care Centers
- Emergency Departments
- Retail Based Clinics
Your telemedicine visit with your providers can be done through Apple FaceTime, Facebook Messenger video chat, Google Hangouts video, Skype or telephonically.
How can I use Neighborhood’s behavioral health telemedicine services?
Neighborhood’s behavioral health partner Optum, offers virtual visits so you can receive confidential care without leaving your home. For more information on accessing virtual visits, go to live and work well to locate providers and schedule an appointment with them online.
Neighborhood has expanded telemedicine coverage for all members to include clinically appropriate and medically necessary services to support you in accessing care. If your plan usually has co pays, deductibles or other cost-sharing for virtual behavioral health visits.
Is Neighborhood waiving prior authorizations for COVID-19 related services?
Neighborhood will continue to waive prior authorizations for the Commercial line of business for all non-pharmacy medical health primary COVID-19 related diagnostic and treatment for services.
For all lines of business, Neighborhood will continue to waive prior authorizations for all non-pharmacy behavioral health primary COVID-19 related diagnostic and treatment for services through December 31, 2021.
Neighborhood has resumed all other prior authorization requirements according to your Plan benefits.
For questions on your plan benefits, please contact Neighborhood Member Services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
Medicaid Managed Care Plans
ACCESS / RIte Care, TRUST / Rhody Health Partners (RHP) and RHP Expansion
1-800-459-6019 (TTY 711)
Commercial Plans for Individuals and Families and Small Employers
1-855-321-9244 (TTY 711)
INTEGRITY (Medicare-Medicaid Plan)
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
1-844-812-6896 (TTY 711)
Can I get my prescriptions delivered?
One to two-day delivery is available at almost all CVS pharmacy locations.
Controlled substances and medications that require refrigeration cannot be delivered from most CVS locations at this time.
Some local pharmacies are offering home delivery for prescriptions for a limited time such as Green Line Apothecary, Walgreens and White Cross Pharmacy. Please call any of these local pharmacies for more details.
Will Neighborhood cover costs related to COVID-19?
Yes, Neighborhood will cover any medically necessary health care costs related to COVID-19. If you meet the testing guidelines set by the CDC, Neighborhood will cover the cost of the test, and you will not need to pay any copays, deductibles, or other cost-sharing.
Rhode Island also offers testing at locations across the state, find more information here.
Learn more about changes made by the State of Rhode Island
Did the State of Rhode Island temporarily stop Medicaid terminations because of the COVID-19 crisis?
Rhode Island has temporarily stopped most terminations and quarterly income verifications for Medicaid.
If you have experienced a recent change in your household income, contact HealthSource RI to update your account as you may qualify for additional assistance.
For information about assistance programs available to Rhode Islanders, check out the Economic Progress Institutes Guide to Assistance.
I received a call asking for my insurance information, did Neighborhood contact me?
Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island will never contact you requesting your insurance information. Remember to never give out your personal information (including your membership number) over the phone to any unknown callers. Federal and local law enforcement agencies across the country are warning the public about coronavirus and COVID-19 scans. If you think you are a victim of a scam or attempted fraud involving COVID-19, please report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 1-866-720-5721 or email disaster@leo.gov.