Dear Faculty and Staff,
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, Human Resources is working diligently with our benefits vendors to provide additional resources and support for members of the Illinois Tech community. I would like to highlight the features that provide more support to our community.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Health Plan: Effective Wednesday, April 1, the university will be adding MDLIVE virtual visits access for all currently covered members. This allows members to access MDLIVE physicians 24/7/365 or by appointment for a variety of non-emergency physical and behavioral health needs. MDLIVE physicians are able to diagnose certain conditions that do not require lab tests and to prescribe medications if appropriate. They may be able to prescribe refills of current medications for those unable to reach their primary care doctors. PPO plan members’ MDLIVE visits will be subject to the regular $20 copay, and HDHP members’ visits will be subject to the deductible and coinsurance. All members will receive new BCBS ID cards due to this change. Please click here for additional information.
Please note that MDLIVE physicians cannot diagnose COVID-19 virtually. However, they can assist members by discussing symptoms and providing telemedicine support. MDLIVE physicians can also refer individuals with severe cases to emergency departments for testing, in accordance with current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Please be aware that not all in-network providers are connected through MDLIVE. If a member would like to set up a virtual visit with their current provider and that provider is not connected through MDLIVE, their provider must offer telehealth visits in order for the member to set up a virtual visit.
Note: students covered under the Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan have access to telehealth services through Aetna. These services have been broadened during the COVID-19 crisis. Click here for additional information.
BCBS has made a Coronavirus Digital Toolkit available. All Illinois Tech employees have access to the toolkit, regardless of benefit elections. For additional support and resources, any member of the Illinois Tech community can contact the Coronavirus Support and Resources Hotline toll free at 1.844.244.7657. Please note that this hotline is staffed from 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. CST, Monday through Friday.
LifeWorks Employee Assistance Program also has a COVID-19 Toolkit available to Illinois Tech employees and their families. The toolkit does not require login credentials. Additionally, LifeWorks continues to be available for any necessary short-term counseling services, legal assistance, financial assistance, and more. Access information is available on the HR Portal Employee Assistance Program benefits page.
For additional information on resources related to our other benefit plans, such as dental, vision, and commuter benefits, please visit the HR Portal COVID-19 Benefits page.
As always, we encourage you to visit our coronavirus (COVID-19) website: www.iit.edu/COVID-19. This website contains up-to-date information and communication regarding university plans and policies as well as important information from government authorities regarding COVID-19.
For more information regarding testing and the latest public health guidance from the City of Chicago, please visit chicago.gov/2019-nCoV or cdc.gov/coronavirus, email coronavirus@chicago.gov, or call 312.746.4835.
Thank you for your continued service and support to our university community.
Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology