COVID-19 Resources and Updates
UPDATED: January 7, 2021
See below for an up-to-date list of important information during the COVID-19 crisis.
Temporary Benefits Changes and Notices
Premium-Free Bronze Plus Coverage as an Alternative to COBRA Coverage
- New Premium-Free Benefit Created for Eligible Participants. For those who Lost Earned Active Coverage on June 30th, September 30th or December 31st, 2020, the Board of Trustees has created the Bronze Plus Plan as an Alternative to COBRA Continuation Coverage.
Government Extends Deadlines for Claims and Appeals, Special Enrollment and COBRA
- The government has temporarily allowed participants extra time to file claims and meet certain deadlines related to appeals, special enrollments, and COBRA. The relief provides that the time period from March 1, 2020 to the date sixty (60) days after the end of the COVID-19 National Emergency will not count for purposes of applying certain deadlines.
Temporary Health Plan Coverage Changes
- Effective March 18, 2020: Temporary coverage for all COVID-19 related testing
- Effective March 16, 2020: Temporary coverage of all telemedicine and telepsychology visits
Important Notices from the Plans
- Register for the myPHP benefits portal to get your benefits information electronically
- Remit premium payments through E-Bill Express
- Submit completed forms, open enrollment, and pension applications via email or fax for faster delivery. Refer to our Department Directory for a listing of departmental email addresses and/or fax numbers.
- Enroll in direct deposit to ensure uninterrupted Pension Plans payments
- Plans’ Office availability during the COVID-19 crisis
Additional Resources
Dental Care
- Get quality dental care in the comfort of your home by joining BrushSmartTM, the oral wellness program exclusively for Delta Dental members. Learn about at-home care routines and other tips to maintain your oral health. Sign up and, as your first offer, receive a 25% discount on Sonicare products.
Online Symptom Checks and Telemedicine
- Learn about telehealth and telepsychology services available through Anthem Blue Cross’ LiveHealth Online. Also, get information on how to use the Sydney Care mobile app in conjunction with LiveHealth Online to check for COVID-19 symptoms and connect directly to a LiveHealth Online doctor via video session or chat.
Prescription Drugs
- Parachute RxSM – Helps participants get many of their medications at affordable and predictable prices if they lose their pharmacy coverage as a result of COVID-19. Eligible participants pay a maximum of $25 for a 30-day supply of generics and $75 for a 30-day supply of select brand-name medications.
- Express Scripts Member Resource Center – How to transition your prescription drugs to Express Scripts Home Delivery and general information on COVID-19
- Accredo Member Resource Center – Guidance for participants on specialty medications, including home infusions
- COVID-19 Information Center – Filling, storing and taking your medication(s) during the COVID-19 crisis
Vision Care
- Essential medical eye care services including urgent eye care will continue to be available to covered Health Plan participants with vision coverage. Now extended through June 2021, you will be charged a $20 co-pay for any medical eye emergency services you receive.
Financial Assistance and Other Resources
- DGA Foundation Coronavirus Relief Fund in association with the Motion Picture and Television Fund—The DGA Foundation (DGF) in association with the Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF) has launched a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund offering $1,000 relief grants to assist DGA members impacted by production shutdowns during the pandemic crisis. The new Relief Fund is in addition to the DGA Foundation’s existing interest-free loan program for members experiencing financial hardship.
- DGA COVID-19 Resources and Updates page—A dedicated webpage from the Directors Guild of America with resources, updates and COVID-19-related information, updated as the situation evolves.
- Hollywood Guilds Tap Emergency Funds for Workers, But That May Not Be Enough—A Hollywood Reporter article with links to various resources available to sustain entertainment industry workers unable to work during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Updated Information on the COVID-19 Outbreak
Below are resources for updated information on COVID-19 and the progression of the global outbreak.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 website
- World Health Organization COVID-19 website
To reference past information, visit Expired COVID-19 Resources and Updates.
