CareSource Leverages Transportation in Initiative for Plasma Donation

Insurance Provider Removes Barriers to Plasma Donations from Recovered COVID-19 Patients

(DAYTON. OH – April 24, 2020) CareSource announced today an extension of their transportation benefit to include free rides for eligible members who have volunteered to donate plasma in Ohio. Once a member has fully recovered from a COVID-19 infection and met the American Red Cross eligibility requirements, they can contact CareSource Member Services to coordinate a free ride to and from the donation collection site.

“Transportation is a critical benefit allowing our members seamless coordination of care with their providers,” said Stephen Ringel, Ohio Market President, CareSource. "We are very excited to be able to support enhanced services for the treatment in the fight against COVID-19.”

In the absence of a vaccine, convalescent plasma can be used to treat patients suffering from infections like COVID-19.

“While the science is becoming more refined every day, research indicates that people who have fully recovered from COVID-19 have antibodies in their plasma that can attack the virus,” said Dr. Kyle Allen, Vice President Enterprise Medical Director, CareSource. “Early estimates say that one donor can positively impact two patients so even if we only have 150 members who volunteer, that can really make a difference for so many Ohioans affected by this virus.”

Members can call the number on the back of their card for more information on the initiative or other plan benefits.