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February 2022 Human Resources Updates
February 4, 2022
Dear Faculty and Staff,
Human Resources is pleased to provide updates and share information on programs and services for our Loyola University Chicago community. Please review the information below to learn more about:
- How Loyola medical plan participants can access no cost at-home COVID-19 tests
- How to participate in the current Go Move Challenge
- Opportunities to speak with a Transamerica Retirement Representative
- A reminder about the Leave of Absence process and Matrix Absence Management
Loyola’s Pharmacy Plan (CVS Caremark) to cover at-home COVID-19 Tests
Free, at-home COVID-19 tests are available to Loyola faculty and staff through two new federal programs. Every household in the United States is eligible to order four free, at-home COVID-19 tests through a new government website. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
Additionally, on January 10, the U.S. Department of Labor released guidance to implement President Joe Biden's order that, starting January 15, health plans must cover or reimburse costs for over-the-counter (OTC) at-home rapid COVID-19 tests without requiring health plan participants to pay any of the cost. This means anyone covered by a Loyola medical plan is eligible to receive up to eight FDA-approved, at-home COVID-19 tests each month.
There is no out-of-pocket cost to the member or eligible dependents as long as the tests are purchased at in-network pharmacies. In network pharmacies include Walgreens, CVS, Osco Drug, Walmart, Mariano’s, etc.
To ensure you have no cost or reimbursement forms to submit when buying tests, faculty and staff should present their CVS Caremark prescription card at the time of purchase. If you purchase tests at non-network CVS Caremark pharmacies or retail stores, you must submit a claim form and original receipt for reimbursement, which will be capped at $12 per test.
The CVS Caremark online reimbursement claim form and more information about OTC COVID-19 tests are available on the CVS Caremark website.
February 1–28: Participate in the Go Move Challenge
The 10th annual Go Move Challenge began February 1, and you still have time to register. During the challenge, participating Jesuit institutions will compete to determine which University is the most active. At the heart of this friendly competition is an opportunity to connect with your colleagues; bond with other AJCU schools; and start the year off right by moving in February, one of the coldest months of the year. Every minute of intentional, physical movement counts! Register here and start tracking your minutes now!
Speak with a Transamerica Retirement Representative
With your Loyola Defined Contribution Retirement Plan, you have access to a financial professional who can discuss your retirement strategy. Chris Clinton, your Transamerica retirement planning consultant (RPC), can help you:
- Enroll in the plan
- Review and understand Your Retirement Outlook®
- Determine your contribution rate and investment mix
- Learn how life events such as marriage, children, and buying a home could impact your retirement strategy
- Improve your overall financial wellness
Please register for a virtual session in advance on the Transamerica website. Appointments are available now through June.
Leave of Absence and Matrix Absence Management
Loyola's administrator for Leave of Absence and Disability Programs is Matrix Absence Management. Matrix also administers the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Paid Parental Leave, State Leave Laws where applicable, Military, Personal Medical, and Personal Leaves. Staff and faculty members who expect to be out of work for more than three days due to a medical condition should notify their supervisor and file a leave claim with Matrix. Specific instructions on how to file a Leave of Absence claim with Matrix Absence Management can be found here.
**As a reminder, managers and supervisors should not inquire about an employee’s medical history or condition, nor attempt to influence medical leave periods.
Thank you for your thoughtful review of this information. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources at benefits@LUC.edu or 312.915.6175.
Sincerely,
Human Resources