COVID-19

The Biden Administration announced it intends to end the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) declared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on May 11, 2023.

During the COVID-19 PHE, Wellmark enhanced your benefit coverage to ensure you had access to COVID-related services. With the end of the pandemic, you will see the below changes to your benefits effective 05/12/2023.

If you have questions about these changes, please contact the Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield customer service number on the back of your ID card (1-800-524-9242).

COVID-19 Testing and testing related services: You'll pay the cost-share for testing services beginning 05/12/2023
Over-the-count COVID-19 Tests: You'll be responsible for paying out-of-pocket costs for over-the-the counter tests beginning 05/12/2023
COVID-19 Vaccinations: There will be zero cost to you for COVID-19 vaccinations.

FTU Update:

Additionally, as of the end of the Public Health Emergency, beginning May 12th, staff will no longer be required to quarantine for a period of 5 days if diagnosed with COVID-19, but instead, are asked to take standard precautions taken with any illness by isolating and staying home while ill and returning to work when no longer feeling unwell (including being fever free). As with any illness, if you are ill and unable to work due to testing positive for COVID-19, please follow standard daily notification requirements for your department when contacting your supervisor. Those who work from home and are well enough to continue working while isolating, may continue to do so; if not well enough to work, standard daily supervisor notification procedures apply.

Please reach out your manager or HR Benefits staff at 319-248-7422 or HRBenefits@greenstate.org with any questions you may have regarding time off and COVID-19.