COVID-19 Information & Resources - Columbia Benefit Solutions

We are in this together.

As we have all experienced an unprecedented pandemic that has swept our country, we want to first express our sincere feelings of unity and concern for the health and wellbeing for each of us. We know that there are far reaching consequences and decisions to be made both immediate and in the long-term and we are committed to assisting you as we manage this situation together.

As you are aware, this situation is quickly changing and as an employer, we are also pivoting to adapt to the changes as they are happening. We have made adjustments for our team to work remotely as needed and to continue to answer the phones.

Closing your Doors
If you make the decision to lay off 100% of your work force and there are no active employees enrolled on your health plan – benefits will end on the last day of the month. In this scenario, there is no COBRA (groups of 20 or more) or State Continuation (under 20) to offer to employees.

Reduction of Workforce
If you reduce employees hours below plan hourly eligibility requirements or lay-off employees (but still have active employees enrolled on the plan) you are required to offer: COBRA (groups of 20 or more) or State Continuation (under 20)

However, if you reduce employees hours but want to keep them on the plan for up to 3 months you may, but current premium arrangements will apply. Carriers are being extremely flexible at this time and are making allowances - but premium needs to be paid.

Leave of Absence
If you grant a leave of absence or furlough employees (but still have active employees enrolled on the plan) carriers will allow these employees to continue coverage for up to 3 months or 90 days. However, the premium for these employees will still need to be paid under the current contract arrangement.

Premium Payments
Carriers are being more flexible with late and delinquent payments. However, premium is still due on the first of the month. Most carriers offer a 30-day grace period to remit funds.

COVID-19 Cost Share
All carriers in Oregon and Washington are required to offer no cost sharing for tests. This includes H.S.A. (health saving account) or high deductible health plans.

Required Family Leave
Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law this week. It provides provisions to protect workers and employers for providing emergency paid sick leave.

Dental Insurance
Not all carriers offer State Continuation. Please contact us for specifics on your carrier. COBRA is required.

Disability Benefits
You should continue to pay premium payments for all active employees whenever possible. Not all quarantines are created equal. Carriers have varying definitions and eligibility depending on the circumstances, diagnosis etc. We will notify you of any changes to legislation.

Still have questions? Just email us!

Email CBS

Reliable Resources on COVID-19
We recommend that you refer to the following resources for reliable and accurate information. There continues to be extensive hoaxes and misinformation posted online and sent via email.

Federal Updates

Oregon State Updates

Business Resources

Constant Change
Insurance carriers are meeting with DFR (Department of Financial Regulation) to see what changes can be implemented to give relief to small businesses and individuals. We will update our clients with any significant changes.

Medical Carriers have Resources about COVID-19.
A period of time before benefits are payable.

Telehealth Services
It is recommended that telehealth services are used whenever possible. See your local carrier page for more info. All carriers offer telehealth services - check the links above for more info.

Information Flyers for distribution to your employees.

Employees Losing Coverage

Loss of group coverage is a qualifying event for individuals to purchase insurance or to qualify for OHP (Oregon Health Plan). We would encourage most employees to apply for OHP since there will be no premium and no cost sharing for services.

Tax credits are available to reduce the premium for an individual plan, however, it is based on annual income. It is unlikely that most will qualify given current circumstances (no income).

If they want to buy an individual plan at full price that is always an option. Please contact our office and we can assist them.

In order to apply for OHP or to check for tax credits the links are included in the images.

Updates
Significant changes to employee benefits will be posted below.

March 23, 2020

OR State Issues Grace Period
The state issued a temporary emergency order requiring all insurance companies to extend grace periods for premium payments, postpone policy cancellations and non renewals and extend deadlines for reporting claims.

Read the complete order here.

March 24, 2020

Legal Notice Released
The DOL (Department of Labor) has released a new Federal notice. The notice provides employees of their rights under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. In addition to posting it in your workplace, we recommend that you also email to your employees immediately due to the temporary telecommuting status of some.

April 14, 2020

Re-Opening the Economy
Governor Brown released vague guidance on opening the Oregon economy:

Ramping up COVID-19 testing capacity in every region of Oregon
Developing robust contact tracing systems to track and contain COVID-19 cases
Establishing a quarantine and isolation program for new cases