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Benefits

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COVID-19 Testing Information
US Based Faculty and Staff

There is a limit of 8 at-home tests per member per month during a rolling 30-day period.  Tests must be purchased for diagnosis purposes in order to be covered.  See the Express Scripts flyer for more information.

  • Home deliver (starting 1/28/2022)
    You can order tests from the Express Scripts Pharmacy for $0 copay. Order at www.express-scripts.com.
  • Retail network coverage (starting 1/28/2022)
    You can purchase tests from any in-network retail pharmacy for $0 copay. Tests must be purchased at the pharmacy counter and you must show your Northwestern insurance card. Online retailers, such as Amazon, may not be considered an in-network retail pharmacy and therefore might not be covered.  Visit www.express-scripts.com or (800) 601-9314 (ID number K9EA) for a list of in-network retail pharmacies.
  • Manual reimbursement
    Purchase a test at an in-network retail pharmacy at the pharmacy counter (not at the general store check-out) and request a "pharmacy receipt" at point of sale.  Submit to Express Scripts (ESI) using this claim form or their online portal. A pharmacy receipt must contain specific information.  Questions can be answered by your pharmacist or ESI at (800) 601-9314 (ID number K9EA).  See this guide for assistance submitting a claim.
US Based Postdocs

Over-the-counter COVID-19 tests for diagnosing COVID-19 are covered through the BCBSIL/Prime Therapeutics® pharmacy benefits. If you use a pharmacy in Prime’s network, you should not have to submit a separate claim for reimbursement. BCBSIL/Prime Therapeutics® will cover FDA-authorized over-the-counter diagnostic tests purchased on or after January 15, up to 8 tests every 30 days per person. If an in-network pharmacy can’t submit your claim electronically, you can submit a claim for reimbursement.  See this flyer for additional information from BCBSIL.  Call the number on the back of your card for any questions. 

Other Testing Resources
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Phone: 847-491-4700  •  Email: askHR@northwestern.edu

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Enroll or change benefits

Benefit eligibility

University employees — like staff, faculty, visiting scholars — and their spouses and dependent children are eligible for benefits. Eligibility for benefits varies based on employment classification.
Benefit eligibility

Benefit changes

Change your benefit elections during Open Enrollment or when you experience an IRS Qualifying Event, such as adding a child to your family, getting married, or changing positions.
Benefit changes

Postdoctoral Benefit Plans

New benefit package for all postdoctoral trainees at Northwestern University. This new benefits package will create parity between all postdocs.
Postdoctoral Benefit Plans

Leaving employment, Losing coverage & COBRA

When you terminate employment with the University, you may elect to temporarily continue to participate in certain University-sponsored benefits through COBRA or to convert certain coverage to an individual policy directly with the sponsoring insurance company.
Losing coverage & COBRA

Retiree Plans

As a Northwestern University retiree, you may enroll in the following medical, dental, and/or vision plan(s). Review the benefit options below and enroll in the plan(s) that are right for you. Once you have reviewed the plan options below, please review the retirement process for information on how to enroll.
Retiree Plans
All resources on benefits changes, eligibility and enrollment.

Help with benefits

Find resources that may be helpful as you manage your Northwestern benefits. If you have any questions or concerns — either during benefits enrollment or any time throughout the year — please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Contact Us

Phone: 847-491-4700  •  Email: askHR@northwestern.edu

Upcoming Events

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