Supporting you during challenging times

As a worldwide leader in monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak, Johns Hopkins is dedicated to keeping you informed and to supporting you and your family throughout this crisis. The university recognizes that many employees are facing new challenges—whether working from home, caring for their health and family, supporting children at home, or facing new financial concerns. Everyone is learning to adapt in these changing times.

In lieu of its traditional on-site benefits meetings, the Office of Benefits & Worklife will be offering multiple virtual town halls in October so you can learn more about what's new for 2021; the dates will be announced soon. It is also offering a Virtual Benefits & Worklife Fair on Monday, Oct. 12, and Tuesday, Oct. 13. This interactive experience will allow you to access benefits information, visit vendor booths, and chat online with JHU Benefits Service Center representatives. You can access the virtual fair on the Benefits & Worklife website starting Oct. 12.

In addition, the university wants to remind you about some benefits and resources available to support you through this COVID-19 pandemic:

• Now is the time to apply or reapply for the child care voucher program, which provides tax-free assistance to help pay for child care for pre-kindergarten children under age 6. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you could be awarded up to $5,000 in voucher funds to use toward the cost of your child care. You also can apply for a child care scholarship to be used at one of JHU's partner centers. Remember, you must apply for the child care voucher program during Annual Enrollment. Applications will be accepted outside the enrollment period only for new hires and employees who have a qualifying life event, such as a birth, adoption, or marriage, or if a spot at a partner center becomes available for a scholarship recipient. Learn more about the eligibility criteria here.
• The JHU health plan has waived copays and deductibles associated with testing for COVID-19. If you have questions, contact the Benefits Service Center at 410-516-2000 or benefits@jhu.edu.
• You have access to a telehealth app through your insurance provider. This allows you to receive care without leaving your home or if your routine provider is not available. See access details below.
• If you take maintenance medications, you are encouraged to switch to mail order through Express Scripts. This program allows a full 90 days' worth of your medication to be mailed to you with no need to leave the house.
• JHU provides a variety of mental health, dependent care, and financial support programs for all faculty and staff and their families through mySupport. You can reach mySupport 24/7, 365 days a year, by phone at 443-997-7000 or online. For online access, the username and password are both JHU.
• In addition, the recently announced COVID-19 Caregiving Relief Fund provides reimbursement for new costs that employees are facing because of school closures and other disruptions, as well as unanticipated caregiving-related distance learning, educational support, and technology needs arising from changes in their regular routines.

Accessing telehealth services

Each of the university's health plans provides a telehealth app that allows you to get the care you need, when and where you need it, by talking with a doctor by video on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You can see a provider online if you need treatment for a common condition such as a sinus infection or a sore throat. For mental health, diet/nutrition, or breastfeeding support, you can schedule a virtual visit and meet with a licensed professional from the comfort of your home.

CareFirst members: Download the CareFirst Video Visit app and enter your insurance information from your CareFirst card.

EHP members: EHP members also use the CareFirst Video Visit app. When you reach the insurance information section during registration, select "other/my insurance is not listed." Following that step, enter the coupon code JHU-COVID19, which is valid for all video visit services through Dec. 31, 2020.

Kaiser members: You must register with KP.org to get started using telehealth services.