COVID-19

Welcome to the Benefits Services Division COVID-19 response page. This is an archive of all the information that the Benefits Services Division has sent out, as well as information and resources for your health and well being. 
Please note - all expiration dates referred to in these communications have been extended to December 31, 2020.

Recent Updates

Weekly Rapid Salvia Testing

  • Free for all State employees, regardless if you are on the State's medical plan
  • Free for  all retirees and dependents that are covered on the State's medical plan
  • For full details and registration information, please see this weekly update. 
  • New dates are added weekly.


No Copays for COVID-19 Testing
We have received a few reports of State medical plan members being charged a copay for COVID-19 testing. If this happens, here’s what you can do:

  • If the provider attempts to collect payment from you, please use this link to find a letter explaining our benefit.
  • If you have already paid a copay, contact your medical carrier for assistance on receiving a refund.

Information and Resources

Rapid COVID-19 Saliva-Based Testing is Available

For more details, please see this weekly update.

 

 

COVID-19 Tests Are Readily Available Statewide

The Governor has ordered all health care plans in Arizona to waive costs for COVID-19 testing of any type. If you are tested, it will be provided to you at no cost, including out-of-network providers. COVID-19 tests are readily available across the state. 


How To Decide If You Need A COVID-19 Test

  • Call your healthcare provider right away if you believe you might have been exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms such as fever, cough, or trouble breathing. (If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, please call 911.) 
  • If your health care provider determines you should be tested for COVID-19, they will order the test and confirm the location for testing. 
  • If you do not have a health care provider, you can contact your medical benefits provider for assistance in locating a testing location. 
  • If you would like to find a testing location yourself, please visit the Arizona Department of Health Services COVID-19 page at azhealth.gov/covid19testing 


Contact The Testing Location Before Arriving  

  • Confirm you meet the location’s testing criteria  
  • Find out what information you must bring
  • Confirm hours of operation and availability 


Letter For Provider If You Are Charged A Copay
We have received a few reports of State medical plan members being charged a copay for COVID-19 testing. If this happens, here’s what you can do:

  • If the provider attempts to collect payment from you, please use this link to find a letter explaining our benefit.
  • If you have already paid a copay, contact your medical carrier for assistance on receiving a refund.
  • April 2, 2020 | COVID-19 Update: No Cost for COVID-19 Treatment | Active
  • April 3, 2020 | COVID-19 Update: No Cost for COVID-19 Treatment | Retired/LTD | COBRA
  • June 14, 2020 | COVID-19 Tests are Readily Available Statewide | Active | Retired


Letter for Medical Provider Explaining No Cost Treatment | Link

Please note - all expiration dates referred to in these communications have been extended to October 22, 2020.

  • Using telehealth can limit your exposure to respiratory diseases like COVID-19.
  • Options for a virtual doctor visit like video chat are available with your state employee health care benefits plan.
  • Find out how to access your carrier’s telehealth services here.


Letter for Medical Provider Explaining No Cost Treatment | Link

Please note - all expiration dates referred to in these communications have been extended to October 22, 2020.

Flexible Spending Accounts

 

 

 

 

Sick Leave and FMLA

  • In light of the situation created by the Coronavirus/COVID-19, a new law entitled "Families First Coronavirus Response Act" was enacted on April 1, 2020. In effect until December 31, 2020, it provides two types of paid leave to employees who are impacted in certain ways due to COVID-19.
  • Pertinent information and forms related to the handling of COVID-19 related human resources issues can be found on hr.az.gov/content/covid-19 and hr.az.gov/yes
  • For questions, please call your agency HR representative, or contact ADOA HR at 602-542-5482, or [email protected].

 

 

 

 

The Department of Labor has issued rules on extending deadlines for certain benefits.

 

The Employee Assistance Program

  • You may feel anxiety or stress about COVID-19, and we want to remind you of the services of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) called ComPsych.
  • You and your family members can access counseling at no cost by calling 1-877-327-2362 or visiting guidanceresources.com.
  • Enter company code HN8876C to register. 

 

 

 

 

Coping & Relaxation

  • There's a full array of coping tips and wellbeing information for you and your family on our wellness.az.gov website.
     

The Employee Assistance Program-ComPsych

  • You may feel anxiety or stress about COVID-19, and we want to remind you of the services of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) called ComPsych.
  • You and your family members can access counseling at no cost by calling 1-877-327-2362 or visiting guidanceresources.com.
  • Enter company code HN8876C to register. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We're in this together. Visit arizonatogether.org to find critical assistance for you and your family during the COVID-19 outbreak as well as ways to help our communities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Email communications sent by the Benefits Services Divison (BSD)

 

Please note - all expiration dates referred to in these communications have been extended to October 22, 2020.