On Oct. 2, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) renewed its determination that a public health emergency exists as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, effective Oct. 23, 2020. This public health emergency originally declared to have existed as of Jan. 27, 2020, was previously renewed on April 21, 2020, and […]
Covid-19
Understanding the $900B Stimulus Bill
Last night (12/21/2020), Congress passed a $900B emergency stimulus package for COVID-19-related relief. While the bill has to be signed into law, we can provide a basic overview of what’s in it, what’s not, and what’s next. Understanding the 900B Stimulus Package [PDF]
NYS Extends Marketplace Special Enrollment Period through end of 2020
Governor Cuomo announced on September 16, that New York State residents can enroll in a qualified Marketplace plan using the current COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period (SEP) through the end of 2020. “The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and it’s more important than ever for New Yorkers to have access to high-quality, affordable health insurance,” […]
COVID-19 Office Protection/Home Office Enhancements
Businesses have had to adjust to incredible change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers have introduced employees to work from home programs. Some employers are slowly bringing them, employees, back to the office, depending on where you are in the country, and if you are an essential business or not. All that means – there […]
Bringing Your Employees Safely Back to Work
Are you an employer who is about ready to re-open or have you already reopened? We are hearing from employers who are reopening, some concerns such as: Employees not feeling safe to return to work Employers who work with the general public and working on the implementation of safety precautions Employers working to ensure they […]
Thank You Essential Workers!
To all those sacrificing their own safety and well-being in this crisis, we at SDL & GHS are incredibly grateful. We wish you nothing but safety and health as you propel us to the other side of this pandemic. Click the image below to watch our thank you video dedicated to essential workers on the […]
DOL Updates COBRA Time Frames during the COVID19 Pandemic
The Department of Labor (DOL) has updated participant deadlines extensions, one specifically – for COBRA participants – during the pandemic, or ‘outbreak period’. What is the Outbreak Period? The Outbreak Period is the window of time beginning on March 1, 2020, and ending 60 days after the end of the declared national emergency. The national […]
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The Families First Coronovirus Response Act (FFCRA) was passed by Congress and goes into effect on April 1, 2020, and will sunset on December 31, 2020. There are two components of the legislation: Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (ER-FMLA) Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act Private employers with fewer […]