Leaves
What about staff who have used up their sick and vacation time?
The University’s Emergency Paid Leave is being continued into 2022.
What happens if I am Labor Represented or Civil Service and run out of sick time?
Effective January 1, 2022, eligible employees who become ill with COVID-19 are covered under the Emergency Paid Leave with up to 80 hours of paid leave for full-time staff and those working part-time will receive paid leave hours proportionate to the time they work. Beyond that time, you can use employee-elected short-term disability insurance.
What if I am a Faculty member or P&A and need to be out for a period of time due to sickness?
Effective January 1, 2022, eligible employees who become ill with COVID-19 are covered under the Emergency Paid Leave with up to 80 hours of paid leave for full-time faculty and staff and those working part-time will receive paid leave hours proportionate to the time they work. Beyond that time, you may be eligible for Academic Disability.
Can emergency leave be entered intermittently?
Yes. The employee and supervisor will need to discuss using a consecutive leave versus an intermittent leave, similar to Family Medical Leave. Supervisors can consult with their local HR staff if they need additional information on leaves.
Can employees donate sick leave?
There is not a sick time donation program available at this time.
I see that if I'm sick for more than eight days, and I'm enrolled in the short-term disability plan, I should call UNUM. Does time in quarantine count toward the eight days?
Effective January 1, 2022, eligible employees who become ill with COVID-19 are covered under the Emergency Paid Leave with up to 80 hours of paid leave for full-time staff and adjusted down based on the percentage of time worked. Beyond that time, you can use your available sick leave and your employee-elected short-term disability insurance.
Benefits
Do our health benefits with Medica cover the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, there is no fee for COVID-19 vaccines for University health members no matter where they get the vaccine. Bring your Medica ID card if you are going to a clinic or hospital, and your Prime Therapeutics ID card if you are getting the vaccine in a pharmacy.
Do our health benefits with Medica cover COVID-19 testing?
es, copays, co-insurance, and deductibles related to COVID-19 diagnostic lab testing are currently waived. Employees should contact Medica for specific coverage questions.
COVID-19 testing is available both through the MTest program on University system campuses and at numerous community testing sites. Most campuses offer COVID-19 tests to those without symptoms, but employees should confirm before getting tested.
Do our health benefits cover the cost of medications to treat COVID-19?
Medications for treating COVID-19 that are covered by the UPlan will have standard Pharmacy Program copays.
The COVID-19 situation has left me feeling anxious and worried. Where can I turn for help?
The Employee Assistance Program is available for all employees. In-the-moment support is available 24/7 from the Employee Assistance Program provider, Sand Creek. If you have an urgent need, please call Sand Creek at 888-243-5744 to speak with a clinician.
If I'm not currently enrolled in Short Term Disability, am I able to enroll now?
You can apply for coverage, but coverage is not guaranteed. First, you must complete the Voluntary Disability Insurance Enrollment and Change form and submit it to Employee Benefits. Then, you need to complete the evidence of insurability process. Based on the information you provide, Unum will determine if you are eligible for coverage. Please note coverage can only be canceled at open enrollment.