IU Benefit Changes and Deadline Extensions Due to COVID-19
Below is a summary of the changes to IU benefit plans related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of these provisions were tied to, and allowed because of, the public health emergency (PHE) declared during the pandemic. The Biden Administration renewed the COVID-19 PHE for the final time in February 2023, and announced that it will expire on May 11, 2023. Learn more about this announcement. For details about how this affects your health coverage, review the information below.
For questions, contact IU Human Resources at or 812-856-1234.
Current Provisions
COVID-19 Testing, Treatment, Telehealth, & Vaccines
Which IU medical plans does this coverage apply to?
The coverage listed in this section extends to active members and COBRA participants in the following IU-sponsored medical plans:
- Employee plans (Anthem PPO $500 Deductible & Anthem PPO HDHP)
- Anthem Under 65 PPO HDHP (Retirees)
- Anthem SAA PPO Plan
- Anthem IU Resident Plan (Medical and Optometry Residents)
Students and Fellowship Recipients should contact or 812-856-1234 for questions about coverage.
COVID-19 Testing
Effective May 12, 2023, in-network testing for COVID-19 will be covered as any other condition under IU-sponsored medical plans. This means that focused test to diagnose COVID-19, and the visit associated with the test, are subject to the standard copay/coinsurance and deductible amounts for medically necessary services. For specific questions about your coverage, contact the number on the back of your medical ID card.
Additional Information:
- Information on testing at IU for is available on IU’s COVID-19 information site: Testing for COVID-19.
- If you do not have medical coverage, you may be able to access free COVID-19 testing in your community. Visit the Indiana State Department of Health COVID-19 Testing website to find a testing location near you.
- At-home COVID-19 tests may be available through the federal government by visiting covidtests.gov.
At-Home Over the Counter COVID-19 Tests
Effective May 12, 2023, at-home OTC COVID-19 tests (with or without a prescription) will no longer be covered at no cost under the IU-sponsored medical plans. This means that the member is responsible for all costs associated with the purchase of at-home OTC COVID-19 tests.
Health savings account (HSA) and healthcare flexible spending account (FSA) funds may continue to be used to purchase these tests. For employees enrolled in both the HSA and the Healthcare FSA, remember that Healthcare FSA funds can only be used for dental and vision services until your annual HDHP deductible is met.
COVID-19 Treatment
Effective May 1, 2022, in-network treatment for a diagnosed case of COVID-19 will be covered as any other condition under IU-sponsored medical plans. This means that members seeking treatment for COVID-19 are subject to standard copay/coinsurance and deductible amounts for medically necessary services. For specific questions about your coverage, contact the number on the back of your medical ID card.
COVID-19 Telehealth Visits
Effective May 1, 2022, telehealth visits for COVID-related medical issues are covered as any other condition under IU-sponsored medical plans. All telehealth visits are subject to the standard copay/coinsurance and deductible amounts listed on the Telehealth web page.
COVID-19 Vaccines
Effective October 4, 2021, in-network COVID-19 vaccines are considered a preventive medical service and are covered at 100% under IU-sponsored medical plans. This means that all copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs are waived. For specific questions about your coverage, contact the number on the back of your medical ID card.
COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Retroactively effective to January 1, 2020, personal protective equipment (PPE) for the primary purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19 (e.g. face masks, hand sanitizer, and sanitizing wipes) is eligible for reimbursement through your HSA and Healthcare FSA. For employees enrolled in both the HSA and the Healthcare FSA, remember that Healthcare FSA funds can only be used for dental and vision services until your annual HDHP deductible is met.