Blue Shield of California COVID-19 Update
In an ongoing effort to meet the needs of the times, Blue Shield of California is extending cost sharing waivers through September 30, 2020 for the following: COVID-19 treatment COVID-19 testing Teladoc virtual medicine Treatment On April 1, 2020, Blue Shield announced it will waive co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles for treatment for COVID-19 received between […]
New Mandatory Preventive Items and Services
Most plans will be required to cover new preventive items and services in 2021 and 2022, including several related to the human immunodeficiency virus (“HIV”). Additionally, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) requires coverage for any COVID-19 related preventive care services within 15 days. Read the full report here.
FAQs on COVID-19 and Health Coverage
On April 11, 2020, the Departments of Labor, the Treasury, and Health and Human Services (“HHS”) (collectively, “the Departments”) issued FAQ Part 42, which includes implementation guidance on the health coverage aspects of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), as well as other […]
IRS Guidance Issued on Tax Credits under the FFCRA
The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued guidance on the tax credits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”). This guidance covers a variety of topics including how to calculate and claim the tax credit, how to determine the amount of the tax credit and documentation requirements to verify eligibility for the tax credits. Read […]
DOL Guidance on Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The Department of Labor (“DOL”) has issued multiple forms of guidance including Fact Sheets, Questions and Answers, Posters, and a Field Assistance Bulletin to clarify and address the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the “FFCRA”). Below is a summary of the highlights of the guidance. It should be noted that guidance from the DOL continues […]
COVID-19 Stimulus Package – The CARES Act
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) into law. It provides support to individuals and businesses that are trying to cope with the coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) pandemic. We will likely continue to see additional legislation enacted in response to the COVID-19. The majority […]
Initial Guidance on Payroll Tax Credits under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
On March 20, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Treasury and Department of Labor announced that employers with less than 500 employees will be able to take advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits which were created to immediately and fully reimburse them, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing COVID-19 leave to their […]
Employee Rights – Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. These provisions will apply from April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. PAID LEAVE ENTITLEMENTS Generally, employers covered under the Act must provide employees: […]
California Insurance Response to COVID-19
On March 5, 2020, the California Department of Insurance and California Department of Managed Health Care each issued guidance stating that commercial health insurance carriers and health maintenance organizations (HMOs) are immediately required to reduce cost-sharing (including copays, deductibles and coinsurance) to zero for all medically necessary screening and testing for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) […]
California Carriers Release Position on COVID-19
The below carriers have finalized their response and position regarding the virus. Please click below for more information. Aetna – What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)/li> Anthem Blue Cross – Anthem’s Affiliated Health Plans Waive Member Costs for COVID-19 Testing Blue Shield of California – Blue Shield of California Waiving Cost-Sharing and […]