States and the federal government have issued (or re-issued) guidance for employers in response to the recent novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As of March 14, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported more than 2,000 cases from 49 states and Washington, DC. Agency guidance includes the following:
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS): High Deductible Health Plans and Expenses Related to COVID-19
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): FAQs on Essential Health Benefit Coverage and the Coronavirus
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC): Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): COVID-19 or Other Public Health Emergencies and the Family and Medical Leave Act Questions and Answers
We expect additional guidance in the coming weeks. There will likely be COVID-19 related legislation as well. On March 14, the House of Representatives passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (with adjustments on March 16) which includes emergency paid sick leave and job-protected paid family and medical leave. The Act will head to the Senate the week of March 16, where it’s expected to pass. The Act applies to employers with less than 500 employees, primarily because there are tax credits to assist employers in paying employees.
Click here to read all of the highlights of state action and other guidance for employers related to COVID-19.
COMMENTS