If you are a participant in the AU medical plan, both Kaiser Permanente and CareFirst are offering waivers for expenses that are related to the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.
Updated December 14, 2020
After many months, a COVID-19 vaccine seems to be on the horizon. As we wait for the first vaccine to become available, please continue taking necessary steps to stay safe and healthy. Meanwhile, you can hear a recorded message in English and Spanish regarding the latest COVID-19 vaccine information by calling the Kaiser Permanente National COVID-19 Hotline, 1-855-550-0951, anytime, day or night.
Yes. When a COVID-19 vaccine receives an Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA, that vaccine will also be released with safety and efficacy data that will be closely reviewed by our infectious disease and other clinical experts, along with state and federal public health officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will oversee distribution of the vaccine throughout the United States and will make recommendations about which groups of people should get it first. State officials will use the CDC’s guidelines to decide which groups will get the vaccine first in their states.
Federal officials have announced that health care personnel and residents of long-term care facilities should be prioritized for the first vaccinations.
There will be a limited supply available when the first vaccine is approved. We’ll offer it to people who meet the criteria in each phase of the prioritization process.
No. Kaiser Permanente won’t charge its members for the vaccine.
Updated December 14, 2020
The FDA has authorized the emergency use of the first COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured by Pfizer. Here’s what we know now.
CareFirst will update AU as more information becomes available.
| Effective Date for duration of pandemic |
Service | Cost Share Waiver must be related to COVID-19? |
In-Network | Out-of-Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/4/2020 | Diagnostic test for COVID-19 | YES | Member costs waived for deductibles, copays, and coinsurance | CareFirst/AU pays 100% up to the allowed amount, but member can be balance billed |
| 2/4/2020 | Visits associated with diagnostic testing, regardless of setting | YES | Member costs waived for deductibles, copays, and coinsurance | CareFirst/AU pays 100% up to the allowed amount, but member can be balance billed |
| 2/4/2020 | Treatment of COVID-19, regardless of setting | YES | Member costs waived for deductibles, copays, and coinsurance | CareFirst/AU pays 100% up to the allowed amount, but member can be balance billed |
| 3/16/2020 | CareFirst Video Visits | NO - Applies to all services |
Member costs waived for deductibles, copays, and coinsurance | N/A - Care received through CareFirst Video Visit is considered in-network |
| 3/16/2020 | Telephone consultation with PCP, OB/GYN, family practice, pediatrics, nurse practitioner | NO - Applies to all services |
Not subject to deductibles, copays, or coinsurance | Not covered |
Express Scripts is granting CVS and Walgreens (via their Walgreens Express™ delivery program) a limited out-of-network delivery exceptions and will permit these retail pharmacies to provide free home delivery of prescriptions to Express Scripts members in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited.
This agreement is solely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and will be in place for 30 days, upon which time it will be revisited by Express Scripts to determine if it is still necessary.
The exception went into place for CVS the week of March 16 and for Walgreens the week of March 23. All CVS and Walgreens retail locations have been notified.
CVS
Members can request delivery in the following ways:
Members must be enrolled in Walgreens Express™ delivery program. The member should opt-in to receive text messages. When the prescription is ready for pickup, the member will receive a text, which will offer them the option of delivery.
Members can submit manual claims: In the meantime, CYC participants can submit manual claims for reimbursement if they purchase any of the newly added items. Additionally, they can re-submit previously denied claims for items purchased after January 1, 2020 that are now eligible as part of the CARES Act.
Following are key email, website, and phone information for our benefit plan vendors. For general questions about our benefits, please email hrpayrollhelp@american.edu and your question will be routed to the benefits team member who can best assist.
COVID-19 Benefits Contact Information Printable PDF
For questions relating to health plan benefits or claims, telemedicine services, or nurse advice assistance.
Phone: 800-628-8549
Website: www.carefirst.com
Telemedicine: www.carefirstvideovisit.com
Nurse Advice: 800-535-9700
Phone: 877-486-5984
Website: www.express-scripts.com
Phone: 301-468-6000
Website: www.kaiserpermanente.org
Telemedicine: www.kaiserpermanente.org
24-hour nurse line (DC): 703-359-7878
24-hour nurse line (outside of DC): 800-777-7904
For setting up a call with our FSAP counselor (Dale Rampell) or applying for an emergency loan.
To connect with a BHS Care Coordinator, call 800-327-2251 or visit the MyBHS portal and enter username: AU to connect via Live Chat or request services through an online form
Email: employeerelations@american.edu
For questions about your retirement account, requesting a loan or withdrawal, or scheduling a one-on-one consultation with a retirement plan consultant.
Phone: 800-343-0860
www.netbenefits.com/au
Phone consultation scheduling: 800-642-7131 or visit getguidance.fidelity.com/au
Phone: 800-842-2252
www.tiaa.org/american
Phone consultation scheduling: 800-732-8353 or visit www.tiaa.org/schedulenow
For reporting a COVID-19 diagnosis, questions about a need for leave, or applying to Prudential for a leave that will go beyond two weeks.
Contact: employeerelations@american.edu
Email: hrpayrollhelp@american.edu
Contact to alert AU: hrpayrollhelp@american.edu
Contact to open a claim with Prudential: 877-367-7781
For setting up back up care for a child or adult dependent in order for you to work.
Phone: 877-242-2737
Website: https://clients.brighthorizons.com/au
If you or a qualified family member, as defined in the Leave Share policy, has a flu-related illness, please contact Human Resources at 202-885-3836 or hrpayrollhelp@american.edu for assistance with requesting leave donations.
Leave donations are available to:
Check your leave balances on the myAU portal.
If you have a serious illness expected to last more than 2 weeks, please contact Prudential to file a claim. Notify Human Resources of your need for leave and obtain detailed short term disability benefits information by calling 202-885-3836 or emailing hrpayrollhelp@american.edu.
If you or a family member have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or you are required to work on-site but are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, follow instructions to self-report and more on the AU Forward portal.
Full-time staff and librarians may donate annual and/or sick leave to employees in need. Email completed and signed forms to hrpayrollhelp@american.edu.
Bright Horizons® provides emergency back-up dependent care when you experience a break down in your regular care. Resources include a nationwide network of child care centers and in-home care agencies, and additional family support services.