Human Resources Department Updates: COVID-19

The LPS Human Resources Department recently shared the following information with employees.

EHA Announcement on COVID-19

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

Dear EHA Member,

The health and safety of our members are of the utmost importance to the Educators Health Alliance (EHA).

The Nebraska Council of School Administrators, the Nebraska Association of School Boards, and the Nebraska State Education Association (the three organizations who founded EHA) have been meeting with Nebraska Commissioner of Education Dr. Matt Blomstedt and Dr. Gary Anthone, Chief Medical Officer for Nebraska. 

While we have been planning for the impact of COVID-19 on our schools, we have also been working with our partners at Blue Cross and Blue Shield to make sure that the EHA is also ready to meet the medical needs of our members.

BCBS-NE has put the following plan in place to continue to provide quality service to our customers, while also protecting the health and safety of our employees.

  • COVID-19 Testing: For all members, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska will cover, with no cost share, the appropriate medically necessary diagnostic testing for COVID-19, where it is not covered as part of the Public Health Service response, and ensure patient testing and any subsequently needed care are done in close coordination with federal, state and public health authorities.
     
  • Medications: Effective immediately, we are increasing access to prescription medications by waiving early medication refill limits on 30-day prescription maintenance medications (according to the terms of the member’s plan). We also encourage members to use their plan’s 90-day mail order benefit. Patients will not be liable for additional charges that stem from obtaining a non-preferred medication if the preferred medication is not available due to shortage or access issues.
     
  • Telehealth: Starting Monday, March 16, 2020, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska will cover, with no cost share to the member, the cost of all telehealth visits until further notice.

This expanded coverage applies to all types of health plans, including high deductible health plans, regardless of whether or not the member’s plan currently offers benefits for telehealth.

Additional information on how to enroll in telehealth through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska’s preferred vendor, AmWell, will be posted on the website prior to Monday.

You can find all updated information on BCBS coverage here.

Message from Continuum EAP

Due to the continued expansion of COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019) and the stress and uncertainty this may cause, we wanted to reach out with a reminder that Continuum EAP is available as a support resource for your organization and employees. 

At this time, we have not adjusted our office operations and are still scheduling in-office visits. However, sessions are also available via video or over the phone for those who feel more comfortable limiting their physical contact with others. We will continue monitoring this evolving situation and follow the recommendations of our health agencies and local officials. If changes to our service delivery are necessary, we will alert you.  

The core of our organization’s mission is to support the well-being of those we serve. In this effort, we are extending use of our HelpNet online resource center to all of our member companies through March 31 to aid in the access of reputable resources of information and guidance. This includes a special COVID-19 webinar with the most recent information available from the CDC and WHO, as well as coping mechanisms to address associated stress and anxiety. 

To access HelpNet through March 31, visit www.4continuum.com and click "MEMBER LOGIN" at the top of the page. Username = GUEST / Password = 7636

Additional information available on HelpNet includes:

As always, please contact Continuum EAP if you have any questions or concerns. You can reach us by phone at 402-476-0186 / 800-755-7636 or email easpecialist@4continuum.com. 

Dependent Care FSA Account Message

Many of you have been asking if we would allow a Dependent Care FSA Election Change during COVID-19.  Yes, we will allow an election change to your Dependent Care Account if you are working from home and not sending your kids to daycare. If you would like to make this change, please email benefits@lps.organd we will be glad to make the update to your Dependent Care Account.

Published: April 8, 2020, Updated: April 8, 2020