Essential Information for Today

COVID Vaccine News

Questions about the Vaccine? Read these informative pieces from Guardian Nurses’ Newsletter, the Flame.

Philadelphia partners with CHOP to vaccinate educators at pop-up clinics

COVID-19 Testing and your SDP insurance

If you have Keystone HMO pr Personal Choice PPO through the SDP, our plans cover testing for active COVID-19 (RT-PCR) at no cost. Click here for details and information on testing sites..

Weathering the Storm:

Looking for tips for your children returning to school?  Check out these resources.

Back to School Planning

Back to School Resources

Free webinar Coping With Pandemic Anxiety As Kids Return To School  (English)

This workshop is designed to help you cope with emotions and anxiety in response to returning to school during the pandemic. We’ll provide an understanding of the types of reactions people may experience during this time, and offer practical tips for coping.  There are two times offered. Times are listed in Central, so they are at 2 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Use your HEADSPACE App to access special modules called Weathering the storm. It includes meditation, sleep, and movement exercises designed to help guide you through this. It’s our small way of helping you find some space and kindness for yourself, and those around you.

Message from Guardian Nurses: Making Lemonade out of the Coronavirus Crisis

Creating positive action to stay positive during an uncertain time.

Employees with School District of Philadelphia insurance provided through Independence Blue Cross should be aware of enhancements and benefits related to COVID-19 that available to them.

  • Testing will be covered. During this public health crisis, co‑pays and coinsurance will be waived for the COVID‑19 tests when performed at a hospital or an approved laboratory.
  • Telemedicine is available. Our plans offer a telemedicine benefit through MDLive with no co-pay. You can avoid your doctor’s office or the ER for non-emergency care. It’s easy to sign up from your cell phone.
  • Prescription refills. For employees with prescription on their Independence Blue Cross Medical card, refill restrictions on maintenance medications are lifted in states that have declared a state of emergency because of the virus. Call the Pharmacy Services number on your ID cards if you require additional medication refills due to a potential quarantine situation.

Flexible Spending Accounts

As regulations change due to COVID, we may make updates to our plan. Visit our FSA page for the most recent information.

Adding a Dependent Due to Loss of Coverage

If your spouse or child has lost medical coverage in the last 30 days, you can add them to your medical coverage. Please complete a SDP Health Application and Attestation, dated proof of loss of coverage, and supporting dependent documentation(listed on page 2 of the health application).  All documents can be sent to benefits@philasd.org or by fax to (215) 400-4631.

Spousal Surcharge

If you are paying the spousal surcharge and your spouse has been laid off due to COVID-19, please contact benefits@philasd.org to remove the surcharge. Dated proof the lay off such as a separation notice will be required.

A Quick Look at the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

This video is a simple “what you need to know” about the coronavirus.

Click on this link or copy and paste this link into your browser: https://flimp.me/COVID-19

A version is available in Spanish here or copy and paste this link into your browser: https://bcove.video/39bOQzD