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PER OXFORD:
Good Afternoon, We wanted to share some exciting announcements pertaining to our UHC Ancillary Product Renewals from 5/1/2020 to 9/30/2020. Groups renewing from May 1 through September 30, 2020 will renew at existing rates without rate increases!!! We sincerely hope that our strategy eases the burden that COVID-19 has brought upon us all. Please note the additional important detail below is split between two separate categories due to product and legal licenses 1)UHC Specialty Business 2)UHC Specialty Business Residing Nationally – UHC Specialty Business Residing in New York At UnitedHealthcare and Unimerica Life Insurance Company of New York, one of our key priorities is to support our customers while they face the unique challenges that have arisen due to COVID-19. In order to make it easier for fully insured Small Business and Key Account customers to retain valuable employee benefit offerings for Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability and Supplemental Health*, we are providing renewal adjustments for customers renewing from May 1 through September 30, 2020. COVID-19 Renewal Details for groups of 2-499 eligible employees: ∙ Groups renewing from May 1 through September 30, 2020 will renew at existing rates without rate increases. - Renewals occurring May through July 31, 2020 may require retro-active adjustments and customers may see a lower rate on their monthly invoice than what was reflected in their renewal. ∙ Products in-scope for this short term COVID-19 renewal adjustment are the following: - UnitedHealthcare fully insured Dental - UnitedHealthcare fully insured Vision - Unimerica Life Insurance Company of New York fully insured Basic Life, Supplemental Life, STD and LTD, and Supplemental Health (Specified Disease, Accident, Hospital Indemnity)* ∙ Includes the UnitedHealthcare businesses. *Supplemental Health (Specified Disease, Accident, Hospital Indemnity) available for groups of 51+ employees UHC National – Excluding New York One of UnitedHealthcare’s key priorities is to support our customers while they face the unique challenges that have arisen due to COVID-19. In order to make it easier for Small Business and Key Account customers to retain valuable employee benefit offerings for fully insured Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability and Supplemental Health*, UnitedHealthcare is providing renewal adjustments for customers renewing from May 1 through September 30, 2020. COVID-19 Renewal Details for groups of 2-499 eligible employees: ∙ Groups renewing from May 1 through September 30, 2020 will renew at existing rates without rate increases. - Renewals occurring May through July 31, 2020 may require retro-active adjustments and customers may see a lower rate on their monthly invoice than what was reflected in their renewal. ∙ Products in-scope for this short term COVID-19 renewal adjustment are fully insured Dental, Vision, Basic Life, Supplemental Life, STD and LTD, and Supplemental Health (Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Indemnity).* ∙ This Includes the UnitedHealthcare and All Savers businesses. ∙ State regulatory guidelines may apply.* *WA groups in the 2-50 space will be subject to standard renewal rate strategy for Dental & Vision *FL groups in the 2-100 space will be subject to standard renewal rate strategy for STD and LTD *Supplemental Health (Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Indemnity) available for groups of 51+ employees ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For additional information about how we are supporting all of our customers during COVID-19, please refer to our Broker, Consultant, and Employer FAQs: ∙ Broker FAQ: https://www.uhc.com/broker/faq-broker ∙ Consultant FAQ: https://www.uhc.com/consultant/faq-consultant ∙ Employer FAQ: https://www.uhc.com/employer/faq-employer
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PER OXFORD
Good Morning, We wanted to bring to your attention that the State of New York has issued an Emergency Regulation that allows policyholders who can demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for an extension to pay future premiums until June 1, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Attached are the two NY premium payment extension letters that are being sent to Oxford customers, one is for accounts that have paid through April, the other is for accounts that are unpaid for April and prior months. We are sending letters or emails to all NYSG policy holders advising them of the availability of the grace period extension. We also provided a breakdown of what the letters entail below: Letter for unpaid: If you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be entitled to an extension to pay premiums without late fees until June 1, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. In order to confirm your intent for an extension of premium payment(s), please send an email to billing_team@uhc.com with the following verbiage:
If your intention is to have your current coverage lapse, please send an email to billing_team@uhc.com with the following information:
The State of New York has also requested us to provide you with the following additional information:
Letter for Paid: You are not required to take any action. If you do nothing, you will be billed for upcoming premiums in your normal manner. However, if you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 and need assistance, you can request an extension or discuss other alternative payment arrangements by calling us at Oxford Financial Operations team at 1-800-366-4148, TTY 711, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, to speak with a representative. Please note that this is simply an extension to pay premiums for those in need and not a waiver or forgiveness of the premium payments. In accordance with the terms of the Emergency Regulation, please note the following:
As always, we appreciate your business and are available to assist you during this difficult time. Sharon Washwick Chief Operating Officer #TeamWashwick Health. Medicare. Life. Business. Auto. & More 860 E. Main St. Riverhead, NY 11901 Phone: 631-369-0888 Fax: 631-369-0618 www.washwick.com BOOK APPOINTMENT on FACEBOOK: https://fb.com/book/PBBAWAgency/ https://washwick.sharefile.com/r-rc093a7f4b8140a1a CLICK ABOVE to send me files Securely Office hours: CLOSED for visitors & in office appts. Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00pm CLOSED for Lunch 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Appointments Only Our Agency feels a great team is paramount to our success in providing First-Class Service. Please feel free to contact me directly to compliment or to provide valuable feedback to achieve this Agency Goal. Your input and suggestions are valuable to me and my Team. The information contained in this communication is confidential and intended only for the addressee. It may contain Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA. Protected Health Information (PHI) is personal and sensitive information related to a person's health care. Additionally, it may contain Personally Identifiable Information (PII) which can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, alone, or when combined with other personal or identifying information which is linked or linkable to a specific individual. Examples of PII include: name, Social Security Number, address, email and date of birth. You, the recipient, are obligated, by law to maintain it in a safe, secure and confidential manner. Re-disclosure, unless permitted by law, is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, disclosure, copying or distribution of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. Please notify the sender immediately to arrange for return or destruction of these documents Dear Valued Insurance Customer,
We hope that this message finds you and your family safe and healthy. These are difficult times. The New York Legislature and Department of Financial Services have been implementing emergency measures in an effort to protect insurance policyholders who have been hit with financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regulations they enacted apply to most insurance policies and include: the waiver of late fees; the prohibition on reporting negative data to credit reporting agencies; and the repayment of late premiums over a 12-month period. If you have been impacted by this pandemic, this means help may be available.
You may prove hardship by submitting a written attestation to the insurance company or premium finance agency regarding your financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The full text of the relevant regulations can be read here: https://www.biginy.org/nysdfs. If you have any questions about this or your policy, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We’re proud to continue helping you protect what matters most. Stay safe, Sharon Washwick #TeamWashwick 860 East Main Street Riverhead NY 11901 t. 631-369-0888 f. 631-369-0618 Team@washwick.com www.washwick.com NOTICE Regarding: Life Policies, Annuity Contracts, and Fraternal Benefit Society Certificates.4/10/2020 Policyholders:
Notice Regarding: Life Policies, Annuity Contracts, and Fraternal Benefit Society Certificates A recent Executive Order issued by Governor Cuomo, together with recent amendments to the insurance and banking regulations (the “regulations”) issued by the New York State Department of Financial Services (“Department”), extend grace periods and give you other rights under your life insurance policy or annuity contract if you can demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”) pandemic. These grace periods and rights are currently in effect but are temporary, though they may be extended further. Please check the Department’s website at dfs.ny.gov/consumers/coronavirus for updates. A copy of the Executive Order and regulations can be found at: governor.ny.gov/news/no-20213-continuing-temporary-suspension-and-modification-laws-relating-disaster-emergency and dfs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/03/re_consolidated_amend_pt_405_27a_27c_new_216_text.pdf, respectively. Insurance Payments – Grace Period If you can demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, your insurer must extend the applicable grace period to 90 days for the payment of premiums and fees under your life insurance policy or annuity contract. If you do not make a timely premium payment and can demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, your insurer may not impose any late fees relating to the premium payment or report you to a credit reporting agency or a debt collection agency regarding such premium payment. Catching up on Overdue Insurance Payments The regulations also require your insurer to permit you to pay the overdue premium over a 12-month period if you did not make a timely premium payment due to financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and can still demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This also applies if the insurer sent you a nonpayment cancellation notice prior to March 29, 2020. Policies Financed by Premium Finance Agencies – Grace Period If your life insurance policy or annuity contract has been financed through a premium finance agency, and you do not make an installment payment, the premium finance agency may not cancel your life insurance policy or annuity contract for a period of at least 90 days, including any contractual grace period, if you can demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and subject to the safety and soundness of the premium finance agency. In addition, if you do not make a timely installment payment to the premium finance agency and can demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the premium finance agency must extend the due date for the installment payment by at least 90 days, may not impose any late fees relating to that installment payment, and may not report you to a credit reporting agency or a debt collection agency regarding that installment payment. Catching up on Overdue Payments to Premium Finance Agencies If you do not make a timely installment payment to the premium finance agency due to financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the premium finance agency must permit you to pay the installment payment over a 12-month period if you can still demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, subject to the safety and soundness of the premium finance agency. This also applies if the premium finance agency issued a non-payment cancellation notice prior to March 29, 2020. How to Demonstrate Financial Hardship If you are unable to make a timely premium payment due to financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may submit to your insurer or premium finance agency, as applicable, a statement that you swear or affirm in writing under penalty of perjury that you are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which the insurer or premium finance agency, as applicable, shall accept as satisfactory proof. Such statement is not required to be notarized. For further details, please visit: Executive Order 202.13 signed by Governor Cuomo on March 7, 2020: governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/EO_202.13.pdf Department of Financial Services Amendment Regulation signed on March 29, 2020: dfs.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/03/re_consolidated_amend_pt_405_27a_27c_new_216_text.pdf Questions If you have any questions regarding your rights under the Executive Order or regulations, please contact your insurer, broker, or premium finance agency. The CARES Act law took steps to include the self-employed in the economic relief plan. The ACT includes the following help: - Access to unemployment insurance (never before accepted!) - Self Employed offered an additional $600 a week in unemployment insurance. - Weekly payouts to $800 - $900 week range when state benefits are added. - Up to 4 months. labor.ny.gov/ui/cares-act.shtm  #TeamWashwick hopes you are staying safe in this difficult and unprecedented time. We are providing Friday's update on what will affect your business & employees during this time.
We have included some information below and seperatley attached PDF information, applications and direction. CARES RELIEF ACT: In the recent 2 trillion dollar CARES Act Economic Relief Plan, there is $349 Billion allocated to help small businesses with less than 500 employees. You can click on the link below to apply for an SBA COVID-19 Disaster Loan, with loan forgiveness for 8 weeks of salaries, rent, utilities and a $10,000 loan advance deposited into your checking account within 3 days of your approved application. https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources Also find this information attached. Paycheck Protection ProgramThe Paycheck Protection Program prioritizes millions of Americans employed by small businesses by authorizing up to $349 billion toward job retention and certain other expenses. Small businesses and eligible nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, and Tribal businesses described in the Small Business Act, as well as individuals who are self-employed or are independent contractors, are eligible if they also meet program size standards. Under this program: o Eligible recipients may qualify for a loan up to $10 million determined by 8 weeks of prior average payroll plus an additional 25% of that amount. o Loan payments will be deferred for six months. o If you maintain your workforce, SBA will forgive the portion of the loan proceeds that are used to cover the first 8 weeks of payroll and certain other expenses following loan origination. Click here to learn more. If Link doesn't work utilize the copy and paste below: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Loan AdvanceTo apply for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan, click here. If Link doesn't work, utlize the copy and paste below: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/ In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, small business owners in all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and territories are eligible to apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan advance of up to $10,000. The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. The loan advance will provide economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Funds will be made available within three days of a successful application, and this loan advance will not have to be repaid. #TeamWashwick A Team for ALL your insurance needs. Please don't wait to reach out to the Team! We are here to help. Sharon Washwick Chief Operating Officer The Washwick Agency, Inc. 860 East Main Street Riverhead NY 11901  w #TeamWashwick wants to ensure you have answers to your business questions. Please find some further information that we feel is the most helpful for you during this difficult time.
LAYOFF VS. FURLOUGH
If COBRA is elected and the person does not enroll in individual coverage, they can not do so until the next annual open enrollment for the marketplace.
If COBRA is elected and the person does not enroll in individual coverage, they cannot do so until the next annual open enrollment for the marketplace. You are “stuck” with COBRA, for the remainder of the COBRA period, until the future yearly marketplace open enrollment or until you become eligible for new group health plan. If I enroll in an individual plan, can I receive a subsidy to help pay for the cost of the plan? To qualify for a subsidy (premium tax credit), there are specific criteria you must meet; most notable eligibility is based upon income. NOTE: #TeamWashwick works with the Individual Market. We can help! We are offering * COVID-19 Consultation Relief * No fee for assistance in enrolling in a plan that #TeamWashwick can sell. Call & ask for Tristen Heidenrich today! 631-369-0888 ex 104
Employers can choose but are not required to subsidize COBRA for terminated employees.
- If you do currently pull deductions "pre-tax" and need a Section 125 Cafeteria Plan - please reach out to your #Team here at Washwick. <information provided by #TeamWashwick in collaboration with Savoy Associates. General Agency. www.savoyassociates.com  DEAR FRIENDS AND MEMBERS,
WE ARE ACTIVELY WORKING WITH A VARIETY OF ORGANIZATIONS AND DEPARTMENTS TO KEEP YOU UP TO DATE. PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CO-WORKERS TO ASSIST US IN GETTING THIS INFORMATION OUT ...THANK YOU TO SIGN UP FOR CORONAVIRUS UPDATES FROM NYS GOVERNORS OFFICE CLICK HERE IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS: There are now three mobile testing sites available on Long Island: Jones Beach and Stony Brook University testing is conducted by appointment only call: 888-364-3065. To make an appointment at the Jericho location, visit prohealthcare.com. Empire State Development has established a website for businesses to submit COVID-19 related questions. FOR SMALL BUSINESS DISASTER RELIEF LOANS: The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states low-interest federal disaster loans up to 2 million dollars for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We understand that this opportunity will open to New York businesses today. These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses and 2.75% for non-profits. For information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at: SBA.Gov/disaster, 1-800-659-2955 or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. The SBA New York District Office also has its Long Island Branch Office located in Hauppauge dedicated to assist and guide the Long Island Small Business Community as needed. 631-454-0750. APPLYING FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE: Applications for Unemployment Insurance have overloaded NYS Department of Labor’s online and phone systems. To deal with the influx they have announced a new filing system based on the applicant’s last name to handle the loads in a more orderly fashion. Filing later in the week will not delay payments or affect the date of an individual’s claim, since all claims are effective on the Monday of the week in which they are filed.
FOR THE HOTEL INDUSTRY: Federal Aid – The industry is rallying to urge Congress for federal assistance. We encourage you to make your voice heard at: https://ahla.quorum.us/campaign/25208/ FOR TRAVEL WORKFORCE: US Travel released new data on estimations of travel impacts and an advocacy strategy for industry assistance that will be needed as a result: https://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/media_root/document/Coronavirus_FullRecoveryOptions.pdf RECOMMENDATION FROM COUNTY EXECUTIVE STEVE BELLONE: We are encouraging Suffolk residents to sign up for Smart911, which allows individuals to provide critical medical information to 9-1-1 and first responders. When someone calls 9-1-1-, their Smart911 Safety Profile is automatically displayed, allowing our public safety agencies to send emergency response teams to the right location with enhanced medical data, especially those who may need assistance not only during this outbreak, but during any emergency. SIGN UP HERE 24/7 ACCESS OF THE SUFFOLK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF LABOR BUSINESS SUPPORT UNIT DIAL 311 We strongly recommend that all businesses document the impact on your company during this crisis. This includes the financial impacts of any cancellations or postponements, changes in costs from vendors, supply chain impacts, etc. WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER... BIGGER, BETTER & STRONGER!! riverheadchamber.com |
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