Coronavirus (COVID-19): Benefits Facts & Frequently Asked Questions - Capstone Brokerage

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Benefits Facts & Frequently Asked Questions

By On July 20, 2020

Health Plan of Nevada & Sierra Health and Life

If business has been interrupted and there are no employees currently working, do we still get to keep our group health plan?

  • Yes, HPN and SHL have suspended the “Active at Work” provision for their policies so that group health plans can stay in place while there are no active employees working temporarily
  • This provision will end on July 24, 2020

If business has been interrupted and there are no employees currently working, what are my options as an employer with a group health plan?

  • There are several options for this scenario:
    • Pay whole monthly premiums as is until employees return to work
    • Pay whole monthly premiums as is until employees return to work and deduct the previous premiums from paychecks once employees start getting paid again
    • Term employees coverages and process COBRA if your group currently processes COBRA
    • Term employees and have them apply for individual insurance or Medicaid

Links for Nevada Individual Marketplace & Nevada Medicaid

If my employees term from the group plan, can they come back onto the plan after they begin working again?

  • Yes, with the following qualifications:
    • If a person is rehired within 31 days, they will be reinstated back to the date of loss
    • If a person is rehired in 32-92 days, they will not be subject to a probationary period and will be effective on the date of rehire or first of the month following the rehire date, depending on the policy
    • If a person is rehire after 92 days, the standard probationary period will apply
    • This provision ends July 24, 2020

What is the Special Enrollment Opportunity?

  • This is a special opportunity for employees to enroll in coverage who may have previously waived it
  • Employees who are already on the plan may also add spouses and children at this time as well
  • You are not required to offer this opportunity to your employees.  It is at employer discretion
  • This period will last from March 23 to April 6, 2020

HPN/SHL Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have health insurance to get a COVID-19 Test?

  • No, most test operators or distributors do not require health insurance and most are free of charge
  • If you would like to get a test through HPN/SHL insurance, download the NowClinic app on your phone, and you will be able to have a virtual visit to set up a test appointment via Southwest Medical

Other Coverages and Information

My employees are offered voluntary Aflac products.  Can they use these benefits in relation to Coronavirus?

  • Dependent on the coverages they have elected, Aflac will be accepting claims for telemedicine appointments or COVID-19 testing.  Please reach out to your Aflac representative for more details. 

Links to Resources for Employers