Coronavirus resources for employees

Who should I contact with coronavirus questions or concerns?

HISD Benefits has a number of resources for employees. Be sure to add these telephone numbers to your list of contacts, download any related apps, and bookmark the websites for future reference. For information about your prescription coverage from Express Scripts, see the link to a video below.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. These provisions will apply from April 1 through December 31, 2020.
For complete details see this flyer.

HISD Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

ComPsych’s GuidanceResources from the HISD Employee Assistance Program is available at no cost 24/7 for all employees and their household members.  Log on to their website for articles, podcasts, videos, slideshows, on-demand trainings and “Ask the Expert” personal responses to your questions. They have made available a Coronavirus Resources Toolkit that includes an overview, resources, a webinar, and much more. For counseling and other resources, log on to www.guidanceresources.com and use the Web ID “HISD” or call 1-833-812-5181.

Kelsey-Seybold ACO

Employees and their covered dependents enrolled in the Kelsey ACO plan can call Kelsey Telemedicine at 713-442-0427 or log in to www.kelsey-seyboldvirtualhealth.com/. Be sure to download the Kelsey app as well.

Aetna

For employees enrolled in any HISD medical plan and their covered dependents, the Aetna 24/7 Nurse Line is prepared to take calls and answer questions at 800-556-1555. Be sure to download the Aetna app as well.

Houston Health Department

The Houston Health Department has a Coronavirus hotline at 832-393-4220, which is available to all employees and their household members.

HISD Health and Wellness Centers

If you think you may have the coronavirus, these centers are available at no charge to employees and their covered dependents enrolled in an HISD medical plan. Call first before going to one of the clinics so that you may be properly evaluated and limit everyone’s exposure. Additional information regarding the HISD Health and Wellness Centers is located at www.houstonisd.org/Page/172022.

Next Level Urgent Care Centers

HISD employees enrolled in a medical plan have access to the Next Level Urgent Care Centers across the Houston area as well. Select Plan members pay no fee, while medical plan members and their covered dependents pay $20. Call before going so that you can be properly evaluated and limit everyone’s exposure. Additional information and maps are available at www.houstonisd.org/Page/176298. They have a mobile app as well.

Express Scripts

Express Scripts Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Steve Miller addresses some of the most frequently asked questions related to COVID-19 and your prescription drug benefits in a video here.

For comprehensive benefits information and resources, call the Benefits Service Center at 877-780-HISD (4473).

TWC Child Care Program

The Texas Workforce Commission offers financial aid to parents with children under 13 years of age and who meet eligibility criteria via their Child Care Program.

“Eligible families of children under the age of 13 may receive child care financial assistance so that parents can work, attend school, or participate in training.”

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis; must meet eligibility requirements, and applicants will be placed on a waiting list until the application is processed and approved. Currently, 3-month temporary emergency assistance is being provided to identified essential workers who meet eligibility criteria.

Any parent who believes they qualify can complete and submit this application to the email address included – COVID.childcare@twc.state.tx.us

Employees should select “Other” for the occupation that qualifies you as an essential worker and add “Houston ISD Employee” in the description.