Archive for the ‘COVID-19’ Category

EMAIL NEWSLETTER POST

Get Industry news and exclusive updates in
your inbox, weekly.

UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits Premium Relief for Employers

To support employers, members and providers during the COVID-19 pandemic, UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits is providing the following:

For Employers

• Extension of COVID-19 renewal program. A rate pass is being offered for groups (2-499 employees) with renewal dates between May 1, and December 31, 2020, on specialty lines of coverage – dental, vision, life, disability, and supplemental health* plans. (A rate pass through September 30 had previously been announced.)
• Reduction in dental premium. A 50%, 1-month dental premium reduction in July that will be reflected on June invoices.

For Providers

• Enhanced reimbursement rates for dental care providers. In-network dentists enrolled in electronic payments will receive increases between $5 and $10 for certain services related to routine exams, emergency services, and initial evaluations for children and adults. UnitedHealthcare dental contracted providers may be eligible to gain access to a portion of UnitedHealthcare dental’s $10 million COVID-19 relief package.**

For Members

• UHC dental. Provides access to at-home telephone and video consultations with their own dentist, another local dentist with availability or a primary care physician.
  The resource is available at no member cost-sharing (i.e., waived deductible and copay) or extra cost for members enrolled in our fully insured employer-sponsored dental plans until July 24, 2020.
• UHC vision. In addition to the ability to conduct a telehealth visit with a network vision provider, members enrolled in UHC employer-sponsored vision plans now have network access to GlassesUSA.com, offering one of the largest online collections of eyewear, with free shipping and returns. Members continue to have in-store and on-line access to Warby Parker^® products and services.
• UHC hearing. UHC hearing has always offered home delivery. UHC can deliver fully programmed hearing aids (RELATE Basic only) directly to a member’s home. In response to the challenges of fitting hearing aids during COVID-19, UHC hearing has entered into an arrangement with 1DOCWAY to use a fully compliant video conferencing platform for these appointments.
• Member tips. To help make the most of specialty benefits from home.

To learn more, download the UnitedHealth Group’s COVID-19 Response.

* Supplemental Health (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity) available for groups of 51+ employees.
**Enhanced rates available until program funding is exhausted and may not be available in all states or for all dental plans.

Questions?
Contact your Claremont team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

Get The Latest News with Text Messaging!

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Sign Up for Text Messaging

Mammoth HR – Employer Return to Work Resources

Free to all employers and continually updated, the Mammoth HR (with Think HR) COVID-19 Crisis Response Center offers an extensive library of essential employer return to work resources including:

• Quick Start Guide: Deciding Who to Recall from Furlough or Layoff
• COVID-19: Return to Work Considerations: Postings and Policies (2-minute Video)
• COVID-19: Health and Safety Best Practices for Returning to Work (2-minute Video)
• Employee Notice: Face-Covering Policy
• If an Employee Refuses Work: Impact on Unemployment Benefits (2-minute Video)
• Return to Work Policy Checklist
• Welcome Back Letter (COVID-19 Return to Work)
• Employee Furlough Recall Letter
• Workplace Safety: COVID-19 (2-minute Video)
• HR Guidance and Best Practices Recorded Webinar

Additional Resources

• COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions
• State and Federal Resources:
  – Cal/OSHA Guidance for Employers
  – Educational Materials and Fact Sheets
  – Model Written Plans and Programs for Aerosol Transmissible Diseases
  – Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH)
  – Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), Employee Leave options, Compensation, and Salary.
  – Department of Public Health (DPH)
  – Employment Development Department (EDD)
  – Labor and Workforce Development Agency
  – And More!
• CDC Materials
• US Department of Labor (DOL) Materials for Workers and Employers
• US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Materials
• US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Materials
• IRS Materials
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Materials
• National Governors Association (NGA) Materials
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Materials

Get The Employer Return to Work Resources

For clients that need assistance resolving return to work and HR issues, offer the expertise of our trusted partner Mammoth HR. Preferred pricing for Mammoth HR is available to brokers referred by Claremont. For details, contact us at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

Questions?
Contact your Claremont team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

Get The Latest News with Text Messaging!

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Sign Up for Text Messaging

MetLife Disability Benefits

The value of leave and income protection offered through disability insurance is more important than ever. Layoffs, furloughs, and reduced hours, due to COVID-19, have many workers worried about their income and benefits. According to the 18th Annual MetLife Annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends Study 2020, more than half of employees are concerned about the pandemic’s effect on their financial health and holistic well being.

An April 2020 MetLife disability survey, amid the pandemic, revealed 50% of employees said employer-offered disability insurance would best support them or a loved one if out of work due to a serious illness or injury during COVID-19 or a future pandemic. However, one-third of the respondents said they don’t believe they have adequate disability coverage or family caregiver leave to feel protected.

Disability insurance can help cover an employees’ expenses if they’re out of work due to illness or injury, in addition to other return-to-work and wellness programs that can provide support when employees are returning after an absence or illness. Learn the three key considerations of disability insurance.

MetLife’s suite of short- and long-term disability solutions offer:

• Flexible plan features.
• Income replacement.
• Return-to-work incentives.
• Multiple rehabilitation incentives and support including Rehab Program Incentive, Work Incentive Benefit, Family Care Incentive, and Moving Expense Incentive.

Offer your employers an opportunity to provide a mix of benefits and stay-at-home/back-to-work programs to help alleviate employees’ concerns, support their financial health and holistic well-being, and navigate their work-life blend during this challenging time.

Contact us today to develop tailored solutions to help your groups protect their employees and optimize their benefits strategies.

Questions?
Contact your Claremont team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

Get The Latest News with Text Messaging!

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Sign Up for Text Messaging

Heartland’s Employer Situation Room

A proven leader in human resources administration, tax credit solutions reporting, compliance, recruiting, and more, Heartland Payroll (a Claremont partner) has created an online destination with federal and industry resources to help employers meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Access the Heartland Employer Situation Room to provide guidance to your prospects and clients.

Employer Situation Room Resources

• HR Support Center
  Includes an area devoted to COVID-19 resources, communication templates, forms, and more. (Available to subscribers of Heartland HR services.)
• COVID-19 Guidance and Best Practices Webinar
• Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act
  – Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans
  – Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)
  – Employee Retention Credits
  – Small Business Guide (Senate’s Guide to the Law)
  – Unemployment Guidance: New Provisions, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
• Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
  – Employer Paid Leave Requirements
  – Required Disclosure to Employees
  – Employer Tax Credits
• Additional Key Provisions from Federal Actions
  – Economic Impact Payments
  – Student Loan Relief
• Expert Advice and Resources
  – Directory of Every Federal Agency’s Response
  – State Resources
  – CDC Guidance for Businesses and Employers
  – OSHA Workplace Safety Guidance
  – How to Increase Your Revenue During the Outbreak
  – Five Things Small Business Owners Should Prioritize
  – And More!

Protect Your Client Base
Heartland does not, and will not, compete with benefit broker partners by selling employee benefits.

Payroll Referral Program
Brokers can generate an ongoing stream of revenue from every referral that results in a sold client.

To learn more about Heartland’s payroll and HR services, and Ease integration, contact us today!

Questions?
Contact your Claremont team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

Get The Latest News with Text Messaging!

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Sign Up for Text Messaging

CCSB July New Business Submission Deadline Extended

The July submission deadline for new business has been extended to the 15th of the month. Get all the new business submission deadlines. 

New Business Submission Deadlines

Questions?
Contact your Claremont team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

Get The Latest News with Text Messaging!

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Sign Up for Text Messaging

TASC Benefits for Remote Teams

As businesses reopen and employees continue to work remotely, employers may want to consider benefits that help remote employees stay healthy and productive.

Help employers easily provide benefits to remote workers with TASC’s account-based plans:

• Home Office Account
  Reimburse employees for the cost of qualified home office equipment and office supplies necessary to sufficiently equip a home office or workstation. This account qualifies as an Accountable Plan per Internal Revenue Code Section 26 which means it is exempt from income tax.
• Office Supplies Expense Reimbursement Account
  Reimburse the cost of qualified supplies necessary to sufficiently equip a home office, such as reams of paper or printer ink. It can be considered a slightly more restricted version of the Home Office Account which might be used for technology and internet provider services. This account cab ve defined to be more selective on which expenses to reimburse. It qualifies as an Accountable Plan per Internal Revenue Code Section 26, meaning it is exempt from income tax.
• Back-Up Care Reimbursement Account
  Offers employees peace of mind when they face unexpected dependent care challenges. Employers can fund this account to help employees secure and pay for temporary care for their dependents, young and old, when regular care falls through or when new care needs arise that will exceed what can be paid for through a traditional Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).

Each of these account options is employer-funded and employer-designated. Plus, employers can set their own terms and conditions in the plan design for employees.

TASC is making these accounts available at no cost to current clients on their Universal Benefit Account for the remainder of 2020. Learn more.

To get started, contact us today!

Questions?
Contact your Claremont team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

Get The Latest News with Text Messaging!

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Sign Up for Text Messaging

Paylocity Return-to-Work and Remote Work Resources

Claremont’s partner Paylocity has created a COVID-19 Resource Center to help employers with HR and payroll concerns and provide information on how to protect employees while minimizing business disruption. To assist your clients with their return-to-work, recruitment, and remote work plans and policies, check out the valuable resources below.

COVID-19 Resources

On-Demand Webinar: Getting Back to Work
As restrictions start to lift, now is the time for employers to think about how to bring employees back to work and back to the office. That said, there’s a lot to consider, plan, and communicate. Find out what employers need to know to develop a plan, stay compliant, and keep employees safe with Paylocity’s latest on-demand webinar.

New Dedicated Resource Hub to Help Companies Recruit, Hire and Engage Employees
The future of the workplace looks vastly different than it did just a few months ago and the employee experience continues to evolve. Paylocity’s new resources will help your clients rethink the way they recruit, rehire, and engage their workforce so they are prepared and ahead of the game. Check out the e-books, blog posts, micro kits, and more.

Co-Branded, Customizable Remote Workforce e-Book
A company’s employees are their greatest asset. But, how do they keep up morale while keeping business running smoothly during this transition? Help your clients communicate, collaborate, increase productivity, and optimize their remote workforce. Download and customize the eBook.

To learn more, contact us today!

Questions?
Contact your Claremont team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

Get The Latest News with Text Messaging!

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Sign Up for Text Messaging

Small Business Coronavirus Impact Poll

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and MetLife poll released June 3, 2020, most small businesses are open in some capacity and are increasingly optimistic about the future, even while facing continued challenges from the Coronavirus pandemic.

Key Findings:

• Nearly eight in ten small businesses (79%) are either fully (41%) or partially (38%) open.
• Two-thirds express concerns about potential closures amid a second wave.
• A growing number believe it will take six months or more for the economy to recover.
• Expectations around cash flow and future revenue are slightly better.
• 60% of small businesses expect to retain the same amount of staff.
• Small business owners are cautiously optimistic about reopening. But they remain concerned about the safety of their employees and customers.
• As small businesses adapt to the new environment, three in ten (30%) anticipate needing more guidelines on how to keep customers and employees safe and well.

NOTE: This Small Business Coronavirus Impact Poll was conducted in the field May 21 – 27, 2020, prior to the civil unrest now gripping cities across our country.
The Small Business Coronavirus Impact Poll is a special monthly Coronavirus report, separate from the quarterly MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index. To read the full report, visit uschamber.com/sbpoll.
For small business Coronavirus resources, visit uschamber.com/co. The latest resources, step-by-step guidance, and insights to help American businesses, workers, and families are available at uschamber.com/coronavirus.

COVID-19 Resources
Returning to the office is a daunting prospect for both employers and employees. To help your clients with their return-to-work plans and protect their employees, access our COVID-19 Broker Resources and answer their most commonly asked questions with our COVID-19 Reopening and Returning to Work FAQs.

Questions?
Contact your Claremont team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

Get The Latest News with Text Messaging!

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Sign Up for Text Messaging

Blue Shield Cost Sharing Waivers Extended Through September

Blue Shield is extending cost sharing waivers (co-payments, coinsurance, and deductibles) through September 30, 2020, for the following:

• COVID-19 Treatment
• COVID-19 Testing
• Teladoc Virtual Medicine

Get the details.

Get The Details

Questions?
Contact your Claremont team at 800.696.4543 or info@claremontcompanies.com.

Get The Latest News with Text Messaging!

Your success is important to us, and we’re actively working on new solutions to support you throughout the year. To get the latest news via text messaging in the future, simply provide your cell phone number here.

Sign Up for Text Messaging