COVID-19 Update July 16, 2020

Great news today for Louisiana auto insurance! The governor has finally signed the previously vetoed bill to reform civil litigation, lowering the maximum amount one can win in a car accident lawsuit and ultimately decreasing premiums for state residents. Additionally, for Louisiana business owners, JEDCO has kindly outlined the Main Street Recovery Grant Program, a recovery fund to support those negatively impacted by the pandemic, including a link to start the process.

In June, the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Treasury published in the Federal Register a proposed rule to amend the requirements for grandfathered group health plans, which would help employers to preserve their plans’ grandfathered status, and the departments will be continuing to accept comments on the proposal through August 14, 2020. Obamacare’s broad coverage incurred higher costs with broader coverage, so many businesses chose to remain adhered to their existing plan prior to 2010. These health plans are going to sunset, and there are provisions that would let them increase cost-sharing.

For those that are considering or have wellness programs, there are opportunities to re-envision and reinvigorate employee wellness programs as the economy tiptoes into reopening while COVID-19 remains at pandemic levels. Designing your office to make your employees feel safer with reminders of hygienic practices and new protocols will play a part in many businesses’ resilient return.

Lastly, we have sponsored this NAPEO Paycheck Protection Program & Loan Forgiveness process customized video (password: ppp) as a community resource for those who need it most. As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.