The St. Johns County Employee Connection
FYI from Personnel Services
Upcoming County Blood Drive
The opportunity to donate blood is fast approaching on October 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. All donors will receive two pairs of OneBlood Cancer Awareness Socks! Plus, a wellness checkup including COVID-19 antibody test, blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening! OneBlood is HIGHLY encouraging appointments: Blood Drive Signup
Lincoln Financial – App update
Accessing your Lincoln account information is now easier with the new updated Lincoln Financial Mobile app. The app now includes a retirement income estimator to help you see if you are on track for the retirement you envision. Not registered for online access? No problem. You can now sign up for online access using the app. For more information about Lincoln Financial Deferred Comp.
Emergency Travel Assistance
The emergency travel assistance provided to all full time employees through The Standard has a new provider, Assist America. Download an informational brochure, which contains a tear out wallet card you can carry with you when you travel more than 100 miles from home or download the Assist America Mobile App. Use Reference #: 01-AA-STD-5201.
Vacation Rollover Deadline
Please note that the vacation rollover deadline for 2020 is the last pay period of the calendar year (November 29 to December 12, 2020) for the pay check dated December 18th. The cut off for vacation rollover is December 12th and any balance over the maximum limit will be swept at that time. Leave balances are shown on your pay check stub and you can also check with your supervisor or department time keeper if you are unsure of your leave balance.
Wellness Premium Incentive (WPI) for 2021
Due to the impact of COVID affecting the ability of members to attend wellness exams, the County will be extending the WPI for medical premiums from 2020 to 2021 for any members who participated in the previous window. Members who did not previously participate can submit a physician verification form or attend a wellness exam prior to September 30th to earn the WPI for 2021 medical premiums. Contact your Benefits Team at 904.209.0635, option 4 if you need a form or have questions about earning the WPI.
New Eligible Items for Your FSA and/or HRA
If you are enrolled in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), you recently gained more flexibility in your ability to save under the CARES Act. This new legislation expanded the list of expenses that are considered eligible by including popular over-the-counter drugs and medicines, including pain relief, cold and flu, allergy, heartburn and menstrual products. These items can now be purchased with your FSA/HRA funds without a prescription. This change is retroactively effective as of January 1, 2020. Medcom flyer or FSAstore for more information.
SJC Benefits | COVID-19 & Health Insurance
Teladoc Copay Waived
Teladoc is available for members seeking care for less serious medical issues such as colds, pink eye and allergies. Teladoc is a way for you to talk with a board certified, state licensed doctor or pediatrician by phone or video chat, 24/7. The normal copay of $10 is temporarily being waived to encourage utilization, so now is a great time to set up your Teladoc account by providing your personal information and medical history. Teladoc 800.835.2362 / www.teladoc.com
Compassionate Leave for COVID-19
County Administration has temporarily amended the Compassionate Leave Policy. Employees in a leave without pay status due to medical necessity or childcare can request COVID-19 Compassionate Leave. Employees interested in donating hours may contribute accrued sick and/or vacation hours by completing the COVID-19 Donor Form and submit to Personnel Services. Employees in need of Compassionate Leave hours can submit a COVID-19 Request Form to their Department Director for review and submission to Personnel Services.
Well-Being Guide to Working Remotely
The Bailey Group has provided a Working Remotely Guide which covers topics from dealing with distractions to setting a new schedule as well as tips on virtual leadership and leaning into technology. Also includes suggestions for maintaining your mental well-being, cultivating connection, and staying healthy while being so close to your kitchen (and your quarantine snacks).
Florida Blue Center Virtual Support
Florida Blue locally based neighborhood nurses, community specialists and sales and service personnel remain committed to providing personalized support to our members such as helping with questions about COVID-19, testing site locations, community resources, navigating the health care system, finding virtual care options, checking enrollment eligibility and other concerns. They can be reached by calling your local Florida Blue Center’s phone number or 877-352-5830 to be automatically connected to your local Center or visit Florida Blue Centers for virtual support and services.
Bilingual Emotional Support Helpline
Florida Blue launched a 24-hour, free emotional support helpline for all Floridians, in partnership with New Directions Behavioral Health. Any Floridian – even if uninsured or insured by another plan – can call 833-848-1762 for support in managing feelings of stress, anxiety, grief or fear related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Counselors cannot provide information on COVID-19 testing or treatment.
FloridaBlue Waiver of Copays and Deductibles for Coronavirus Testing
Florida Blue is waiving copays and deductibles related to medical testing for the virus for members who are part of our insurance plans, Members should consult their health care provider if they are experiencing symptoms linked to the coronavirus, such as mild to severe respiratory symptoms, such as a cough and difficulty breathing, and a fever. The tests are provided at no cost by state and federal health authorities and may soon be available at other laboratories. Summary of Modifications. Florida Blue 800.664.5295 / www.floridablue.com
Employee Assistance Program
Should you need confidential assistance, counseling, crisis support, or help with other personal, financial, and family issues, the County Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling Morneau Shepell at 877-851-1631. Counselors will not be able to assist with specific questions about COVID-19 testing or treatment.
Prescriptions/CVS Caremark
CVS has relaxed refill restrictions and are temporarily waiving early refill limits on 30-day prescriptions for maintenance medications at any in-network pharmacy. You can now fill maintenance medication prescriptions ahead of schedule. CVS Customer Service 844.278.5590 / www.caremark.com
CVS Caremark Mail Service Pharmacy
CVS Pharmacy has waived charges for home delivery of all prescription medications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages people at higher risk for COVID-19 complications to stay at home as much as possible, so this convenient option can help you avoid coming to the pharmacy for refills or new maintenance prescriptions. As always, there is no charge for delivery of prescriptions filled by CVS Caremark Mail Service pharmacy, when you choose mail. CVS Rx Mail Order 866.284.9226 / www.caremark.com