Are there any extensions to new group application deadlines?

Yes. Check the Carrier Responses section of our COVID-19 resource page for the latest information.

Are there any billing grace periods or extensions available?

To assist employer groups during this time, Beam is offering a 60-day grace period for any premium invoices for the month of March. During the 60-day grace period, Beam will continue to pay claims for active groups and members. Groups will continue to receive invoices for all outstanding premiums due, but payment for the outstanding premium would not be required for those invoices until 60 days past the first missed due date.

The extended 60-day grace period at this time applies only to March premiums. Beam is working diligently with their insurance partners and will continue to evaluate this Policy as they receive more information from NGL (they are underwritten by National Guardian Life) with regards to future premiums.

Contact Claremont for more information.

If employees are required to work a reduced schedule and no longer meet the minimum hours required in the policy, will they remain eligible for coverage?

Beam will allow laid-off employee(s) to retain coverage on an employer’s Policy upon the employer’s request, as long as the laid-off employee(s) was active on the Policy as of 3/1/2020. Please note that the employer will still be responsible for paying premiums for any laid-off employees that are kept on the Policy.

Contact Claremont for more information.

If a small business has to temporarily close due to impacts from COVID-19, will their Beam Dental/Vision coverage remain active?

Any temporarily closed group should fall under 60-day grace period in terms of retaining active coverage.  Please contact Claremont for more information on the proper procedure for temporarily closing businesses.

If there is a reduction in enrollment for a group, what is the minimum number of enrollment/EEs Beam will allow to continue the Dental/Vision coverages, even if on a temporary basis?

As long as one person remains actively employed, eligible employees may elect to continue coverage under COBRA. Beam are not terminating groups who fall below the 2- member threshold at this time.

If the employer would like to keep furloughed or laid off employees on the group plan, that is allowed and is at the discretion of the employer. Beam will continue to invoice the employer for all members that are actively on the plan, therefore the group would be responsible for collecting any individual premiums from their furloughed employees.

Contact Claremont for more information.