Know your USG health care and other benefits resources during COVID-19

As the situation related to COVID-19 evolves, Augusta University wants to make sure you are aware of the important benefits and resources available to you through the USG Benefits programs.

USG health care plan

For COVID-19 related in-network provider visits and testing, out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles, copayments and coinsurance, will be waived if you are enrolled in one of the USG health care plans through Anthem BCBSGA (including employees enrolled in the Consumer Choice HSA).

All telehealth visits through LiveHealth On-Line, including those unrelated to COVID-19, will be covered at 100% with no out-of-pocket costs for all USG health care plans through June 30.

The Augusta University Health System COVID-19 Virtual Screening is the preferred telehealth service for Augusta University employees. Patients can now receive free virtual screenings for coronavirus (COVID-19), 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no appointment required, when they visit the AU Health COVID-19 Virtual Screening website or download the AU Health Express Care app for Apple or Android devices.

If you have concerns or are showing symptoms of COVID-19, we encourage you to take the following steps:

• Call your provider’s office for guidance and next steps.

• If you do not have a provider, please call the 24/7 nurseline at 888-724-2583 and/or member services at 800-424-8950 for help locating a provider.

• Emergency room and urgent care options are available for emergency situations.

While we are working with Anthem to ensure benefits are processed correctly, if you have questions about benefits coverage, please call the member services number listed above.

Telehealth options

Anthem offers a telehealth option. If you have non-emergency health care concerns, telehealth can be a good option. While COVID-19 cannot be confirmed through virtual or remote care, provider teams can help with screening symptoms, assigning risk, answering questions and recommending the next steps. All telehealth visits will be covered at 100% with no out-of-pocket costs for all USG health care plans, including those unrelated to COVID-19.

Pharmacy/prescription medications

To ensure access to prescription medications, early refill limits will be waived for 30-day maintenance prescriptions at in-network pharmacies. Additionally, CVS pharmacies are waiving charges for home delivery of all prescription medications. If you do not use a CVS pharmacy, please check with your local pharmacy for information about waived home delivery charges.

If you take a maintenance medication, we encourage you to use the 90-day supply option. This will reduce the number of trips to the pharmacy and will lower your out-of-pocket cost. As part of the prescription drug program, you also have the option of home delivery from CVS Caremark Mail Service pharmacy with no delivery cost.

KEPRO Employee Assistance Plan – EAP

Tips for coping with any emotions you may be experiencing related to the COVID-19 outbreak is available through the KEPRO Employee Assistance Plan at 844-243-4440 or online. Company code is USGCares.

USG partners with the KEPRO Employee Assistance Program to provide support and resources on personal matters to improve your overall life and well-being. In addition to phone counseling and in-person counseling referrals (first four visits are at no cost), the EAP includes additional products and services at no cost such as:

• Legal and financial services
• Childcare and eldecare referrals and advice
• Grief and loss support
• Taxpayer information

The KEPRO EAP is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to offer support to you and your family members at 844-243-4440.

Non-USG health care plan covered employees

For employees not enrolled in the USG health care plan, a telehealth option is available through LiveHealth On-line at $59 per visit. For acute, non-serious medical concerns, you may consider a retail health clinic or a quick care center.

COVID-19 hotline from Department of Community Health

The state of Georgia has a new COVID-19 hotline at 844-442-2681. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, please contact your primary care doctor, an urgent care clinic or your local federally qualified health care center. Please do not show up unannounced at an emergency room or health care facility.

Financial/market volatility concerns

USG has partnered with CAPTRUST to provide retirement and financial advisory services to USG employees. CAPTRUST offers a no-cost advice line for all benefited employees and representatives are available to answer employees’ questions and concerns about the market.

To schedule an appointment, call 800-967-9948 or go online. Representatives are available from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday.

Information and updates are available on the USG Benefits web page. General information about COVID-19 is available at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website at or on the Department of Community Health website.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Benefits & Data Management at 706-721-3770.

For the latest information on the coronavirus, please go to the university’s designated resource page for COVID-19.