Here are some key points your Health and Welfare Fund should consider during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, plans are now required (effective March 18th) to cover all testing for COVID-19 with no cost sharing. Your medical carrier should have reached out to you by this point with a communication regarding this. This is now a federal requirement and cannot be altered. Plans will need to be amended and SMMs sent to the membership.

Trustees should give consideration to waiving cost sharing requirements for the treatment of COVID-19. This is NOT a requirement but there is a possibility this too will be mandated by the government. Again, you should have heard from your medical carrier regarding this OPTIONAL plan change.

Telemedicine is proving to be a useful tool in today’s environment. Trustees should give consideration to implementing a telemedicine benefit if one is not currently in place. If these benefits are already available, consideration should be given to waiving any cost sharing associated with this service at least on a temporary basis.

Trustees should give consideration to early refills for prescription drugs. Most PBMs have communicated their policy regarding early refills during this crisis. However, you can alter your plans to allow for more generous time frames if desired.

Funds should remind members of their EAP and mental health benefits. Many individuals and families are struggling with mental health and should be encouraged to seek help when needed.

One of the biggest concerns moving forward will be eligibility. With the majority of work shut down for the time being, consideration should be given to any potential eligibility changes or COBRA premium subsidies that may help members stay on coverage.

Communications should be sent to the membership letting them know of any changes that are made and providing reminders of the coverage that is provided by the Fund.