COVID-19 Employer Useful Facts and Links

March 26th, 2020

We wanted to create a post to point you in the right direction as an employer searching for answers around COVID-19 and what if means for you. Below are links to various posts on important sites to assist in understanding what our next steps are.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of MS has expanded its telemedicine services. It will allow established patients who are unable to go to the doctor for their routine visits to call their normal healthcare provider and file it as a Telemedicine visit.  If you are not an established patient, you can use it for symptoms related to Covid – 19 and copays are waived.

United Healthcare addresses their expanded access to care with cost sharing waived around COVID-19 tests and visits, access to telehealth, and early prescription refill. UHC is also allowing a one time special enrollment for all plan changes to go into effect 4/1 and this open enrollment expires on the 6th.

Treasury, IRS and DOL announce plan around sick pay and tax credits going into effect 4/1.

DOL publishes posters and requirements around employers communicating to employees.

SBA is making COVID-19 disaster assistance loans of up to $2 million per applicant. The loan can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and more.

MDES has adjusted requirements for unemployment compensation. If you have to furlough employees or have a layoff, this is a great resource to keep them on their feet while we wait for normalcy.

SOS MS is keeping up with all executive orders that could impact businesses in MS. As of 3/27/20, Gov. Tate Reeves has signed 6 executive orders in response to COVID-19.

CDC is constantly updating us on the spread and the latest findings.

For other government run sites and their statements around COVID-19, click here.

If you have specific questions about anything you are reading, let our team act as a resource for you. We want to keep our employers informed and prepared for everything that is changing during these times.