April Human Resources Updates

April 1, 2022

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Human Resources is pleased to provide updates and share information on programs and services for our Loyola University Chicago community. Please review the information below to learn more about:

• A new benefit beginning today called First Stop Health (FSH)
• How Loyola medical plan participants can access no cost at-home COVID-19 tests
• Opportunities to speak with a Transamerica Retirement Representative
• New Campus Safety TTY/TDD Line for Hard of Hearing

New Benefit Beginning April 1: First Stop Health (FSH)

As announced last fall and in response to the need for additional behavioral health resources expressed by some faculty and staff and members of the Benefits Advisory Committee, a new supplemental behavioral health resource is now available effective Friday, April 1. As a reminder, this new benefit supplements existing behavioral health resources provided by the University through our medical insurance plan with Aetna, Teladoc, and our Employee Assistance Provider (EAP).  

Starting today, faculty and staff will have access to First Stop Health’s Virtual Counseling solution, which makes accessing short-term mental health care even easier for benefits-eligible faculty and staff and their immediate family members. 

First Stop Health is a virtual mental health resource and provides support for mental well-being anytime, anywhere. This resource offers Loyola benefits-eligible faculty and staff and their family members 24/7 access to short-term, solution-focused counseling via app, web, or phone. Plus, there is zero cost for faculty or staff and their family members to access this care.

• Use the FSH mobile app, online dashboard, or call 888-691-7867 to request your counseling visit.
• Scheduled visits take place Monday–Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Central time.
• Visits can be completed by phone or video.
• Up to seven immediate family members are also eligible to use the service.

Click here to watch a short 60-second overview video of this new counseling benefit. 

Reasons to speak with a counselor include but are not limited to:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief
• Marital/relationship issues
• Drug/alcohol dependencies

Mobile App
First Stop Health’s mobile app is available to download from the App Store or Google Play store. Click here to request consultations in seconds. 

Family Members Included
Up to seven immediate family members can be included on your plan at no additional cost. Like you, your family can call as often as they need. 

First Stop Health Counselors
All First Stop Health, counselors are U.S.-based and licensed to practice in the state from where you are calling. 

So what happens next?

• Be on the lookout for a welcome email from info@fshealth.com on Monday, April 4.
• Be sure to download the mobile app and/or log into the online dashboard before the time comes when you may actually need to speak with a counselor.
• Be on the lookout for a home mailer from First Stop Health. The letter will be in a white envelope and should arrive at your mailing address by the end of April (subject to USPS delays).

Loyola’s Pharmacy Plan (CVS Caremark) Covers At-Home COVID-19 Tests

Effective January 15, health plans must cover or reimburse costs for over-the-counter (OTC) at-home rapid COVID-19 tests without requiring health plan participants to pay any of the cost. 

This means anyone covered by a Loyola medical plan is eligible to receive up to eight FDA-approved, at-home COVID-19 tests each month. 

There is no out-of-pocket cost to the member or eligible dependents as long as the tests are purchased at in-network pharmacies. In-network pharmacies include Walgreens, CVS, Osco Drug, Walmart, Mariano’s, etc. 

To ensure you have no cost or reimbursement forms to submit when buying tests, faculty and staff should present their CVS Caremark prescription card at the time of purchase. If you purchase tests at non-network CVS Caremark pharmacies or other retail stores, you must submit a claim form and original receipt for reimbursement, which will be capped at $12 per test. 

The CVS Caremark online reimbursement claim form and more information about OTC COVID-19 tests are available on the CVS Caremark website. 

Meet Virtually with a Transamerica Retirement Representative
With your Loyola Defined Contribution Retirement Plan, you have access to a financial professional who can discuss your retirement strategy. Chris Clinton, your Transamerica retirement planning consultant (RPC), can help you:

• Enroll in the plan
• Review and understand Your Retirement Outlook®
• Determine your contribution rate and investment mix
• Learn how life events such as marriage, children, and buying a home could impact your retirement strategy
• Improve your overall financial wellness

Please register for a virtual session in advance on the Transamerica website. Appointments are available now through June 30.

Campus Safety TTY/TDD Line for Hard of Hearing
Campus Safety has an updated TTY/TDD Line for hard of hearing faculty, staff, and students who may need to contact Campus Safety for assistance. The TTY/TDD number is 773-508-7762, and this line is monitored 24/7/365.

Thank you for your thoughtful review of this information. If you have questions, please contact Human Resources at benefits@LUC.edu or 312-915-6175.

Sincerely,

Human Resources