Following are some important updates for Ohio Academy of Family Physicians members from the March 20, 2020, COVID-19 press conference with Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Dr. Amy Acton:
Health Insurance Premium Grace Period
The Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) issued an order that will allow employers to take care of employees with a grace period for insurance premiums. Employers can defer their premium payments for health insurance for up to two months. The grace period is for all health insurers and it must provide the option of deferring premium payments interest-free for up to 60 calendar days from the original premium due date. Health insurers must allow employers to continue covering employees even if the employee would otherwise become ineligible for insurance because of a decrease in the hours worked a week. For more information, view the bulletin released by the ODI.
Expanded Medical and behavioral Health Services using Telehealth
Gov. DeWine has provided additional information on expanded access to medical and behavioral health services using telehealth. Please view the checklist for details.
Unemployment Benefits
Ohioans can apply for unemployment benefits online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is also possible to file by phone by calling 877.644.6562 or TTY at 888.642.8203, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov.
As always, visit www.coronavirus.ohio.gov and the Ohio Department of Health hotline, 1.833.4.ASK.ODH, are great resources for those who have questions.