The Biden administration announced it intends to end the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) declared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on May 11, 2023. The ending of the PHE will affect the coverage we’ve experienced for COVID-related services and products. Effective May 12, 2023 you will now be responsible for paying out-of-pocket costs for over-the-counter tests.

Remember, employees who have established a healthcare flexible spending account (FSA), can also use FSA dollars to purchase COVID-19 tests.

Human Resource Services will host a session led by Cedar Valley Hospice. Cedar Valley Hospice counselors will provide information on how managers can support an employee who is grieving, and resources available in the community. This one hour session will be held Wednesday, May 10 at 2 p.m. in Gilchrist 009. Please register in advance.

Deciding on where to receive care can be confusing. Making the wrong choice can lead to delayed care or having to seek care at another provider. How do you know if you should visit urgent care, your doctor's office, or the ER? Shelly Ann Dillon, BSN, R.N. and Supervisor of Clinic Operations for MercyOne, will lead a one hour session on how to choose care for yourself and family members. The session will be offered in person April 26 at 10 a.m. in Gilchrist 009, and via Zoom on April 26 at 2 p.m. Please register in advance.

Employees are invited to attend a free in person workshop series on budgeting, eliminating debt, creating an emergency fund, and more. Brett Olsen, Associate Professor of Finance, will facilitate this series on Thursday's in April  (April 6, 13, 20, and 27) from 2 to 3 p.m. in Gilchrist 007. Participants are asked to attend all four sessions and advanced registration is required.