Good news continues, with vaccinations already underway in our communities and COVID benefits coverage extended through 2021.

Vax Scene: Progress Marches On!

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) on December 11 granted the first Emergency Use Authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine to Pfizer, the initial shipments have moved to the states and vaccinations of healthcare workers have begun! Do know the quantities available are limited and only will be enough to vaccinate a fraction of front-line health care workers (phase 1a) in the U.S.

Another vaccine, from Moderna, is being reviewed by the Centers for Disease Control’s vaccine advisory council today (December 17), which will provide a recommendation regarding approval for Emergency Use Authorization to the FDA. If then approved by the FDA, more vaccines will be available to inoculate front-line health care workers and other populations (e.g., residents of long-term care facilities) in phase 1a.

Each state is working to determine where and when to vaccinate the next groups of people based on vaccine availability, vaccine type and lessons from the first round of vaccinations. It may be several weeks before we get a better understanding of how and when each state will administer the vaccine to essential critical infrastructure workers, including our field employees.

Wondering if you may qualify as an “essential worker,” and can get the vaccine before the general public? Check out the answer in the Vax Scene section of the Exelon Coronavirus Information Center.

Do keep in mind that the sooner everyone gets vaccinated when it’s available to them, the sooner the pandemic – and all the tragedies and challenges that come with it – will end for us all.

COVID Coverage and Benefits Extended into 2021

At this time, do be aware that Exelon will be extending many COVID-related benefit enhancements into 2021, including:

• high-touch concierge services for employees and eligible dependents who are COVID-19 positive,
• enhanced sick time for an employee’s COVID-related illness and short-term disability benefits, as applicable, and
• all in-network COVID-19 treatment (including testing, telehealth and diagnostic visits) will continue to be covered at 100 percent for employees and dependents, who are enrolled in Exelon medical coverage, when medically necessary and consistent with current CDC guidance in 2021. Do remember to use in-network facilities whenever possible. While out-of-network treatment is covered, you will need to submit a manual claim form to your carrier with receipt and you may be billed for payments above the in-network allowable amounts.

Don’t forget: you also have enhanced academic and sitter services through Bright Horizons to help balance work, family and personal responsibilities, as schools continue to blend in-person and online learning.

HealthEquity Platform Update

The launch of the new HealthEquity platform (originally scheduled for January 1) for employees with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Commuter Account or Retiree Medical Savings Account (RMSA) has been delayed and will not be available until late February. Participants should continue to access these accounts through the WageWorks platform at wageworks.com or hrservices.exeloncorp.com > Health > Spending Accounts. Health Savings Account (HSA) participants can continue to access their account through myhealthequity.com.

We Wish You Happy and Healthy Holidays!