UC’s health plans are closely monitoring and following local, state, and federal guidelines to make sure members receive the best possible medical care if needed. Read the update about how UC’s health plans are working to protect you and your family members. https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/2020/03/your-health-plans-response-to-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak.html
24-Hour Access to Emotional Support
Optum Behavioral Health is offering public access to their free Emotional Support Help Line for those experiencing anxiety or stress related to COVID-19. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-342-6892. https://www.optum.com/covid-19/covid-19-emotional-support.html
Bright Horizons Activates Crisis Care Program
The Crisis Care Program is active through April 30. During this time, you have the option to secure care within your own personal network — a neighbor, friend, or babysitter — and receive a reimbursement stipend of $100 per day. You must register for Bright Horizons before activating the program. https://clients.brighthorizons.com/lbnl
Bright Horizons Can Help with Backup Care
Do you need to go to work, but your regular child or elder care is unavailable? Career and term employees and postdocs can access Bright Horizons’ network of backup care providers. Customers may not use Bright Horizons Back-Up Care for 14 days following the last potential exposure to COVID-19. https://hr.lbl.gov/service/benefits/back-up-care-program/
Apply to Become a Staff Advisor to UC Regents
Applications for the position of staff advisor to the Regents are open for non-represented and represented staff who have at least five years of UC service, offering a unique opportunity to represent staff on issues faced by the board. The application period ends April 3. https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/2020/03/bring-staff-voices-to-the-table-apply-to-become-the-next-staff-advisor-to-uc-regents.html
Lab Team Offers Support for Coronavirus Travel Delays
The Lab’s International Researchers and Scholars Office is available to provide support and assistance to researchers with coronavirus-related travel delays and to their managers or hosts. Read more about the latest travel restrictions. https://hr.lbl.gov/2020/02/09/lab-team-offers-support-for-coronavirus-travel-delays/
Feb. 13 Talk on Socially Responsible Investing
Lab staff are invited to attend a talk on socially responsible investing for retirement on Thursday, Feb. 13, noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Section Club Room at UC Berkeley’s Tang Center. Participants will get tips on incorporating these kinds of investments into their portfolio. Registration required. https://uc.sumtotal.host/core/pillarRedirect?relyingParty=LM&url=app%2Fmanagement%2FLMS_ActDetails.aspx%3FActivityId%3D384444%26UserMode%3D0
1095 Health Covereage Tax Forms Mailed
Form 1095, which provides the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with information about the health coverage staff had or were offered last year, has been mailed to the home addresses of Lab employees. Depending on coverage, one or more copies of Form 1095B or 1095C may be delivered. https://www.irs.gov/affordable-care-act/questions-and-answers-about-health-care-information-forms-for-individuals
Bright Horizons Backup Care for Elders, Children
Bright Horizons is available for employees who need assistance with backup child or elder care. The Lab offers this benefit at a discounted price. Care is available in-home or at participating centers. Sign up with username “LBNL” and password “4Backup.” https://backupcare.lbl.gov/
Comment Period on Affiliate Policy Revision
The Lab is proposing a revision to the Affiliate Policy, which takes into account feedback from stakeholders and will provide much needed guidance and clarification on the Affiliate appointment, such as roles and responsibilities of the host and the Affiliate. Staff are invited to comment. https://hr.lbl.gov/2019/12/12/proposed-revision-to-the-affiliate-policy/