This message was sent to Byrn Mawr College faculty and staff members from Martin Mastascusa, Director of Human Resources, on Monday, April 13, 2020.
Human Resources now has a site titled “Tools to Cope with COVID-19." Information in regard to COVID-19’s impact on College benefits will kept on this site, as well as a summary of COVID-19 specific legislation. Information on working safely, as well as access to apps that may be helpful in reducing COVID-19 anxiety, are also available on this site.
https://www.brynmawr.edu/humanresources/tools-cope-covid-19
As a summation of the most immediate concerns, I would start by noting that the April 15 income tax filing deadline has been extended by three months, until July 15.
If you have an appointment scheduled with a Transamerica representative on April 16, please note that the appointment now is scheduled to occur telephonically. If you made an appointment with Transamerica and would prefer not to keep it, please let me know as soon as possible. If you are interested in making an appointment, as of today, three slots remain open and you may schedule an appointment through this site.
Other benefits also are being provided telephonically. A telehealth option was added to all College medical plans last November and through June 4, all telehealth copays are being waived. Employee assistance program counseling sessions are being provided telephonically or via televideo.
Independence Blue Cross has waived expenses related to COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment. Prescription refill limits, such as the “refill too soon” limit, have been temporarily lifted.
Please note that the loss of health insurance through another group plan is a life/qualifying event that permits a midyear change in your election. A change in dependent care spending account expenditures associated with lower daycare or after-school care charges, or a camp cancellation, is also a life/qualifying event. If you would like to change an election due to these events, please contact Human Resources within 31 days of the event.
Effective retroactive to January 1, 2020, the medical care FSA and HDHP HSA have newly eligible expenses, which is expected to be a permanent change.
This is an evolving site and will be updated on a regular basis for the duration of the crisis. I do plan to add a section for staff on time reporting shortly. Please contact me via email if you have any questions or recommendations.