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Second-Order Effects of COVID-19

… seeking the safety of suburbia. We are likely still several months from seeing the real impact of this near-term deurbanization, but it’s hard not to see how that won’t vastly impact the economic reality and vibrancy of city life for years to come. On the health and benefits front, there are a variety of dramatic market changes – some of which are temporary, but many that feel may have a more lasting impact: The item getting the greatest focus is telemedicine. Early indications are that virtual visits are up 20 times from the same period one year ago …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/second-order-effects-of-covid-19/

Determining Return-to-Work Protocols

… for COVID-19 symptoms and helps employers manage the return-to-work process safely. I have not previewed this version; however, I have seen several symptom checklists that result in a green-light email signifying it’s okay to return to work, or a red-light email, which refers the employee to a physician for further evaluation and potential virus testing. This week, we hosted a webinar with Piedmont Health Systems – a large hospital and healthcare system in the Southeast – and to me the content was fascinating. It highlighted return-to-work practices and important considerations. In addition to employee …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/determining-return-to-work-protocols/

Covering Coronavirus: Risk Considerations Volume 1, Issue 13

… and fluid. We continue to see unprecedented disruptions at home and abroad. In this issue, we take a focused look at: General Information on Coronavirus Insurance Products and Coverage Information Medical Malpractice Updates Cyber Attacks Test Business Resiliency Forming Partnerships During a Pandemic Legislation and Litigation Roundup Human Resources and Employee Benefits The Future of Meetings and Events Preventing Video Conferencing Burnout Insights from Across the Firm Open Enrollment How has the pandemic changed your approach to this year’s open enrollment, and what do you think will be your biggest challenges? Take Survey  Employee Engagement Has your new work …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/covering-coronavirus-risk-considerations-volume-1-issue-13/

Multi-State Employers Face Complexity Surrounding COVID-19

… for more than two hours. In San Francisco, the law extends to employers who have temporarily closed or halted operations. While people can debate the appropriateness of such laws – typically based on political viewpoint – I want to explore the objective complexity for employers. One of the key reasons that the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) was passed in 1974 was to create a single set of employee benefit rules for multi-state employers. The law protects employees from the loss of benefits which were promised and protects employers from having to manage a multitude of often competing regulations within …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/multi-state-employers-face-complexity-surrounding-covid-19/

Your Insurance Advisor, Your Invaluable Partner

… finding creative avenues to deliver affordable care has been a priority at EPIC. We quickly embraced and advocated telemedicine and mail-order drugs. We offered benefit solutions to those losing employer-sponsored care, including suggesting urgent and routine care partnership products and voluntary plans to make up for lost employer benefits. Our compliance team delivered guidance on federal and state legislation as an urgent priority, ensuring that our clients had access to the rapid onslaught of laws and regulations which became the lifeblood of those needing medical care, income replacement and simply some order around how their lives would be …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/your-insurance-advisor-your-invaluable-partner/

Covering Coronavirus: Risk Considerations Volume 1, Issue 12

… During the Pandemic Insurance Products and Coverage Information Broadway, Hollywood Eye Plans for a Return to Normalcy Legislation and Litigation Roundup Human Resources and Employee Benefits When Work Resumes, Offices and Duties May Look Different EEOC Expands Guidance for Workplaces New Challenges in Cleaning and Sanitizing Guidance from the CDC Employee Benefits Insights Open Enrollment How has the pandemic changed your approach to this year’s open enrollment, and what do you think will be your biggest challenges? Take Survey  Employee Engagement Has your new work environment impacted your productivity and connection with your colleagues, and do you see your …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/covering-coronavirus-risk-considerations-volume-1-issue-12/

IRS Relaxes Section 125 Election Change Rules, Expands Grace Periods and Carryovers

… well as HFSAs and DCAPs. The Notice also addresses issues regarding grace periods for claims reimbursement and provides details on previous guidance affecting high-deductible health plans (HDHP). Background Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 125 allows employers to adopt a written plan to let employees elect to pay for certain benefits, including group health plan coverage, on a pre-tax basis through salary reductions. Section 125 also permits employees to contribute pre-tax reductions to an HFSA or DCAP and certain other benefits. Employees generally cannot change cafeteria plan elections during the year unless they experience a change in status …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/irs-relaxes-section-125-election-change-rules/

Coronavirus & Workplace Wellbeing: Supporting Emotional Health

Before the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis hit, many Americans were in need of emotional support and experiencing loneliness. Now that we’re dealing with a global pandemic, those individuals are enduring more intensified stress. And new individuals have joined the ranks – many people are undergoing unprecedented emotional stress due to social isolation, remote working challenges, and financial uncertainty. For more of our coronavirus coverage, visit epicbrokers.com/coronavirus  Viewpoints from Amanda LaPointe Right now is the time to be there for your workforce, to help them manage their emotional wellness and successfully get through each day, one day at a …

https://www.epicbrokers.com/insights/coronavirus-workplace-well-being-supporting-emotional-health/