(Updated 2/2/21)
As Northwest insurance carriers continue to provide plan updates related to COVID-19, information will be made available to employees here.
For more information, visit the University's COVID-19 FAQs »
The U.S. Department of Labor, the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have jointly issued deadline relief and other guidance under Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The relief provides participants additional time to comply with certain deadlines which might be missed during the COVID-19 outbreak that could result in the loss or lapse of group health coverage or the denial of a valid claim for benefits.
The final rule is effective immediately. This means that any deadline on or after March 1, 2020 (the start date of the National Emergency due to COVID-19 as declared by the President) would be extended through the full period of the National Emergency plus an additional 60 days. The types of deadlines extended by the ruling that could impact you include:
Federal authorities have provided several examples in reference to the deadlines above.. If you would like to review those examples, see the document at the link below.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2020-09399.pdf
Our welfare benefits plans to which the federal guidance applies are deemed amended to reflect these requirements, for as long as the requirements are in effect.
If you have questions about this information, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hrwebpg@nwmissouri.edu.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) remains focused on ensuring our members have access to the care they need as the COVID-19 pandemic continues into the fall and winter.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced they will extend the COVID-19 public health emergency period through April 20, 2021 (it was previously set to expire on January 20, 2021).
As a result, Blue KC is announcing we will go beyond the public health emergency period and extend the following coverage and member relief through June 30, 2021 for Commercial plans (ACA Individual and Family plans will observe the COVID-19 benefit coverage until the end of the emergency period only):
Blue KC Virtual Care App
If you download the Blue KC Vitual Care app, you will have affordable access to 24/7 health care. You can schedule a visit with a board-certified doctor or behavior health therapist right from your smartphone tablet or computer. Blue KC Virtual Care is convenient for everyday medical and behavioral healthcare. Click here for additional information.
CARES Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law on March 27 and contains the following health plan provisions:
In light of the COVID-19 Coronavirus situation, the Missouri State Employees' Retirement System (MOSERS) is proactively taking action to ensure the continuation of vital benefit services to our members while also protecting the health of members, staff, and other stakeholders.
MOSERS Ready to Retire Sessions
All MOSERS Ready to Retire sessions will be held online until at least June 1, 2021, due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation. Employees who are within 5 years of retirement eligibility should have received an email from MOSERS with instructions on how to register.
Online webinars will be held on the following dates:
April 1 - 9:00 a.m. to noon
April 7 - 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
April 13 - 9:00 a.m. to noon
April 22 - 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
October 19 - 9:00 a.m. to noon
You can log in to your myMOSERS account to register or you can call a benefits counselor at 800-827-1063.
Delta Dental Teledentistry
Delta Dental has partnered with TeleDentistry.com to provide 24/7 access to a dentist, 365 days a year. Teledentistry.com dentists provide initial consultation services and can write prescriptions when appropriate. Members will be referred to a Delta Dental network dentist for definitive diagnosis and treatment. For additional information on this service, click here.
Coping During Uncertain Times
Times of uncertainty often cause stress for many - it's to be expected. As everyone adjusts to the "new normal" during the coronavirus pandemic, it's important to take care of ourselves so we can support our loved ones and be able to work. Please click here to see a work, life, and health tip sheet provided by our benefit consultant, Lockton.
Mindful by Blue KC
Mindful by BlueKC is a behavioral health initiative dedicated to reducing stigma around behavioral health in our communities while making care accessible and affordable for members. Mindful by Blue KC is a commitment to covering the health needs of the whole person and comes to life as a set of tools and resources to address stress, depression, anxiety, substance use and more. This ensures that members can access and afford the behavioral healthcare they need.
Mindful Advocates are available 24/7 and are licensed behavioral health clinicians who match members to providers and guide care plans. Mindful Advocates can be reach at 833-302-6463. Click here for additional information about the Mindful by BlueKC initiative.
Employee Assistance Program
Did you know Ability Assist Counseling Services, our Employee Assistance Program through The Hartford, is available to you and your family members (spouses and dependents)? The EAP provides emotional/work-life, financial, legal, and health/benefit services counseling not only to employees but also to their families. To learn how to take advantage of this valuable resource, click here.
Therapy Assistance Online
TAO is online self-help available 24/7 for Northwest employees. Several behavioral health modules are available, including general well-being and resilience, stress, anxiety, depression, pain management, and relationships and communication. TAO is interactive and allows employees to watch engaging videos and complete exercises. TAO is completely confidential. For additional information about TAO, click here.