As employers prepare post-COVID-19 workplaces, supporting employees’ mental health can be as critical as creating a safe physical environment. Safety measures, such as sanitizing protocols and respiratory hygiene, are vital considerations for physical wellness. Taking a broader view of employee health that also includes emotional and social wellness can help employees manage uncertainty, engage in the workplace and adjust to a “new normal.”

Focusing on mental health is especially important during the readjustment phase. Employees may bring new stressors after weeks of sheltering in place that employers need to consider – from fear of infection at work to personal issues, such as child care concerns or substance abuse. Some may have delayed medical care, while others may be feeling financial stress or mourning lost loved ones. Others may be feeling the toll on their mental health in the form of anxiety, sleeplessness or depression.

Emotional and Social Reintegration in the Age of COVID-19
“These uncertain times are stressful, and we know that stress can lead to poor performance and poor health,” said Dr. Marcos Iglesias, Medical Director at Travelers. “Now is the time to start conversations about the future and drafting a road map that works for your organization.”

As COVID-19 restrictions are gradually lifted, recognizing employees’ emotional and social health can help them reintegrate into the workforce and allow employers to offer additional resources when needed. Here are some strategies to help support mental health as employees return to work:

1. Practice Clear and Frequent Communication
Communicating with employees about plans to reopen can help keep them engaged and provide a sense of normalcy. Employees will want to hear about their company’s response plans, from social distancing to wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as details about workforce and financial stability.

“It is important for employees to know what to expect as they return to the workplace,” Dr. Iglesias said. “That can help remove some of the uncertainty and reassure employees that you have their best interest in mind.”

When you share public health and safety information with employees, it should come from credible sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), state health departments, and reputable medical organizations and journals.

2. Train Supervisors to Recognize At-Risk Employees
While many employees will be fine once they return to work, there may be some who have a harder time reentering the workplace and readjusting. Supervisors and managers can play a critical role in communicating with employees, providing stability and recognizing signs of distress. A recent study shows that 57% of workers are comfortable with their manager asking them about their mental health and 41% want their manager to proactively ask them.

It’s crucial that supervisors and managers are trained in how to recognize employees who may be in distress and to know when and how to intervene. A simple, “Are you okay?” may open the door to better communication and provide an opportunity to gauge an employee’s mental health risk.

Supervisors can also create a welcoming environment for employees who may be returning in a modified duty role or who may have recovered from COVID-19 and may fear being stigmatized. Setting expectations and having clear communication can help these employees readjust to the workplace.

3. Evaluate Flexible Work Arrangements
Employers may want to consider flexible work arrangements, such as adjusted schedules and remote working when possible. These may be necessary during reintegration to reduce stress for those dealing with personal and family issues, such as school closures or caring for loved ones. Companies may also need to reconsider their policies for paid time off, sick leave, leaves of absence, disability and bereavement, based on unique situations that their employees face. Continuing the open communication once employees return can help address challenges and identify solutions.

4. Consider Workplace Accommodations
Returning to work may create anxiety for some due to social proximity, especially when using shared workstations, shared dining space and food prep areas. Employees may ask for accommodations, such as separate work areas, physical barriers, face masks, PPE, cleaning equipment and working from home. This may be especially important for certain employees, such as those with chronic medical conditions and those over age 60.

5. Provide Access to Mental Health Resources
Employers must have available mental health resources for employees in need. This may take the form of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or a referral to external organizations that can provide crisis intervention, counseling or other assistance. Easy access to and promotion of a company’s EAP can help provide many helpful resources – not just mental health – to employees in need.

The COVID-19 pandemic has activated a surge in the use of telehealth, including remote and virtual interactions between individuals and healthcare providers. Access to telehealth can be an important part of an effective strategy for facilitating care to employees post COVID-19, and may offer an efficient alternative to in-person rehabilitation, addiction and mental health appointments. Resilience training may also help employees feel more empowered as they return to work.

There may be cases when urgent intervention is needed: suicide risk and threats of violence. Employees need to know how to identify this risk and what to do in these crisis situations, and providing them with a plan is imperative.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every part of daily life, from sheltering in place to lost paychecks. While car insurance is no exception, the good news is that every major provider has pledged to help Americans in need like never before. To separate fact from fiction, we spoke with experts and analysts across the country to determine exactly how the coronavirus crisis will affect your car insurance.

Is my insurer going to give me money back?
As of March 22nd, the number of cars on the road had fallen dramatically, about 20%, following the declaration of a national emergency in the U.S. Many of the largest auto insurance companies recently announced they will be responding to the lowered risk of auto claims with premium rebates for customers.

State regulators are also putting pressure on all insurers to step up to support consumers with measures like extended grace periods, so if your insurer hasn’t yet responded with meaningful actions, you can routinely check its website to catch updates or reach out directly.

Should I change my auto coverage because of COVID-19?
While you can definitely reach out to your insurance company to see if your lowered mileage could mean a discounted rate, keep the following in mind: Don’t cancel coverage you’ll need in the future. Canceling your car insurance, even if it’s only for a limited period of time, can have several negative impacts:

• You won’t be covered for any losses
• Most states legally require car insurance before you can drive
• A gap in coverage can mean higher premiums when you restart your coverage
• There may be cancellation fees or unexpected costs

How can I lower my monthly payments?

Increase your deductible
Your deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage will kick in. Increasing your deductible helps lower your premium because you’ll be on the hook for a larger part of any potential losses, but that also means saving on your bill now is something you’ll need to weigh with your ability to take that additional risk.

Reduce your liability coverage limits
Lowering your liability coverage limits can also help you save on insurance, but it will likely make a smaller dent than changing your deductible. Your car insurance coverage will have both bodily injury and property damage liability, or the maximum amount your insurance company will cover, if you cause damage to someone else or their property.

Switch to a usage-based plan
If you’re driving fewer miles than usual, you may want to consider a usage-based car insurance plan. While traditional car insurance is priced using factors like your age and claims history, usage-based insurance relies on driving data (usually gathered through an app on your phone) to determine how much you pay for coverage.

Many larger insurers are starting to offer usage-based options. This option would be best for users who are likely to benefit from a usage-based policy for the long-term, though. Switching insurers too often can signal that you’re not a loyal customer, which can mean you may be quoted higher rates from even other insurers in the future.

Will my future auto insurance premiums be affected by COVID-19?
Most drivers are well aware that an increase in claims can spike car insurance rates, but the economy as a whole is also closely tied to an insurance company’s business.

Will auto insurance claims be affected by COVID-19?
With social distancing measures in place across the country, insurers are making sure their employees and customers stay safe by keeping the claims process digital. This may be a big change from a typically hands-on process or you may not see a change at all.

What if I can’t afford my auto insurance payments because of COVID-19?
If you are struggling with your car insurance premiums, you should contact your insurer. Many are addressing the COVID-19 pandemic with programs to assist policyholders.

For more information, please contact Theodore & Associates today.

Nearly 17 million people have filed unemployment claims in the last three weeks with the U.S. Department of Labor. Forecasters predict as many as 20 million people could lose their jobs by the end of April. Millions of workers who have lost their jobs also will lose their health insurance. The potential severity of COVID-19 means that being uninsured could leave people at risk for catastrophic health care costs. Here are some key things people who lose their jobs or who are currently uninsured should know.

Coverage Options for People Who Lose Their Jobs or Are Uninsured
If you have insurance through the job you lost: Maintaining your coverage through COBRA is a possibility, but you might find a cheaper option through the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces. As always, even though open enrollment is closed, anyone who loses a job with health insurance is automatically eligible for a special enrollment period through the marketplaces. The first thing to do after losing job-based coverage is visit HealthCare.gov to check out options. If you qualify for a premium subsidy or Medicaid, there may be options much cheaper than COBRA.

If you have coverage through the ACA marketplaces: If you lost your job, your income is likely dropping, which means you may qualify for a subsidy. Go to HealthCare.gov and update your income information.

If you have coverage through Medicaid: Keep your coverage and make sure your enrollment status is up to date, so you don’t lose your coverage if you forget to reenroll.

If you are uninsured, you have a few options — and there may be more in the coming weeks:

• Go to HealthCare.gov and click on the box that says “See if I can enroll” and enter your zip code. You may be able to get covered in one of two ways:
  • 11 states and the District of Columbia have opened their marketplaces for a special enrollment period because of the pandemic. People in those states who are currently uninsured should take advantage of this opportunity. Deadlines range from early April through mid-June, depending on the state. People with incomes between 100 percent and 400 percent of poverty are eligible for subsidies — $12,490 to $49,960 for an individual and $25,750 to $103,000 for a family of four. If you do not live in one of these states, you will not be able to enroll in marketplace coverage unless you lose your health coverage as a result of losing your job.
  • All but 14 states have expanded eligibility for Medicaid. If your income is less than $17,236 for an individual or $35,535 for a family of four you may be eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid enrollment is open all year; you can sign up anytime. Medicaid eligibility is based on current monthly income, so even if your total annual income is expected to be higher, you may be eligible for Medicaid.

Recent Legislation and Executive Branch Actions on Coverage
Congress has passed three major emergency spending bills to address the pandemic and the administration has declared a national emergency. Here is what you should know about what this means for coverage:

• Coverage for coronavirus testing at no cost.
  • If you have private insurance, all insurers and employers are required to cover — without cost-sharing — tests and services associated with tests (but only if the visit results in a test) through the duration of the crisis. This does not apply to any treatment you may need. While most plans will likely cover treatment, standard deductibles and co-payments will apply.
  • If you have Medicaid, testing is covered without cost-sharing. In most states, treatment is subject to co-payments.
  • If you are uninsured, states have the option of using Medicaid to cover testing for uninsured people and those with substandard health plans like short-term policies. Again, this does not apply to any treatment you may need.​

Looking Forward
The staggering economic disruption triggered by the coronavirus pandemic is revealing the importance of the Affordable Care Act in providing coverage options for people who lose their job-based insurance. But the pandemic also shines a bright light on the remaining holes in the system: 30 million people uninsured and at least 44 million who are underinsured because of unaffordable deductibles and copayments. The crisis will place added pressure on the states that have not yet expanded Medicaid and may encourage them to move forward with expansion. It also may push Congress to permanently patch the holes in our insurance system. If it does, the next time we face a public health crisis we can be secure in the knowledge that everyone has health coverage and that illness will not be compounded by personal financial catastrophe because of health care costs.

If you need assistance or don't know what your next step should be, feel free to call us and get help. We can offer Short Term Health Plans, Limited Medical Plans, and Major Medical Plans with loss of other coverage, to individuals who may be in need, or just offer friendly advice during this difficult time!

  Utilities
• Are unnecessary electrical appliances and equipment disconnected/unplugged.
• Turn down temperature on hot water heater to conserve energy.
• Set thermostat to minimal setting (55° F) to conserve energy but keep out the freeze and/or set low temperature alarms. Failing to maintain heat appropriately can void coverage if pipes freeze and burst.
• Sprinkler system also need to be protected from temperatures below 40F to ensure proper operation.
• During warmer months or in warmer climates, make sure to set your air conditioning to a minimum of 85 degrees
otherwise if your building gets too warm it will become susceptible to damage from humidity and mold.
• Check that sump pump is operational and remote alarms are working.
• Ensure all refrigerators and freezers are secure and doors are closed.
• Irrigation systems should be turned off and disconnected to prevent accidental flooding.

Security
• Does the building look secure from the street?
• Are all vehicle entrances and exits locked/secured?
• Are all windows and doors locked?
• Have you contacted the police and requested random checks?
• Have you alerted neighbors or neighborhood watch programs that the building will be vacant so they can also assist with random check?
• Is there a centrally monitored security system in place (door contacts, window tape, motion sensors, video surveillance, etc….)
• Has updated contact information been given to companies that centrally monitor security and fire alarms, as contact names/information may have changed from normal operations.
• Arrangements should be made, if possible, to inspect the building at least weekly. Document the inspection with photos and utilize our check list.
• Can security camera be added or maintained operational to cover the interior/exterior of the facility?
     o Have temporary, wireless cameras been considered?
• Are there exterior aspects of your building that you need to consider:
     o Temporary weather proofing;
     o Drainage or flooding hazards;
     o Gutters and down spouts cleared?
• Contact your agent to discuss potentially relocating some high dollar items, temporarily to a more secure location.

Inventory
• Do you have a list of inventories on hand?
     o Is it backed up off site?
     o If it were stolen or damaged what would you need for lead time to replace those items?
• Tools and Equipment
• Computers and Technology – Are there backups made daily with offsite storage of back-ups?
• Furniture, Artwork, Fixtures.
• Other Assets

Perishable Inventory
• Do you have products on auto-order that needs to be suspended for the time being?
• Are you practicing all the necessary requirements per your local health department or FDA guidelines?
• Do you have a remote alarm on refrigerators and freezers so that you are made away of a temperatures spike?
     o If this were to occur do you have a plan in place for dealing with this alarm?
• Are you maximizing the products on hand to consider items reaching expiration?

Fire
• Have you contacted the local fire department to alert them of the vacancy and any changes to building access that now may have changed?
• Additional monitoring may be necessary because of the following reasons:
     o There may be a delay in reporting of fires because of the vacancy
     o Fire could also start due to smoking trespassers, arsonists, faulty wiring or drug production.
     o Transients/homeless seeking shelter may have open fires for cooking or providing heat.
• Are there centrally monitored fire detection systems in place?
• Is the Automatic sprinkler system on and locked open with centrally monitored tamper switches operational?

Making a plan for how to respond
Having a good response plan is as essential as protecting your business investments. When developing a plan, consider communication beforehand with local responders, such as fire and police departments, emergency clean-up companies and security companies. Your livelihood may depend upon it in an emergency.

And remember, if you have a helper with you when closing down, be sure to “social distance” from one another.

With the evolving and significant changes happening in the world around the
coronavirus and its impact on commercial insureds, we have received a number of
questions from our clients regarding business income coverage.

Designed to protect a business in the event of an interruption in operations caused
by a physical loss that results in financial downturn, business income coverage
serves to cover the period of time it takes to rebuild, repair or replace damaged
property. Requirements for the coverage to trigger vary across insurance carriers.
Additionally, each state has its own department of insurance that governs what is
acceptable insurance language which can cause variations from state to state.
Most insurance companies policy forms incorporate approved Insurance Services
Office (ISO) policy terms and conditions. Following ISO, the business income
insuring agreement requires a covered cause of loss that causes direct
physical loss of, or damage to, the property at the described premises. The
cause of loss must also cause a necessary interruption of operations that results in
business income loss.

Without a direct physical loss, business income coverage will not be triggered.
There will also not be a period of restoration of property to determine business
income loss.

In addition to the terms of business income coverage, policies include Exclusion of
Loss Due To Virus or Bacteria (form numbers CP0140 or CP7140), which exclude
commercial property losses resulting from any virus, bacterium or other microorganism
that induces or is capable of inducing physical distress, illness or disease. Form number CP0140 is found on newer Insurance policies. Form number CP7140 appears on older policies. These endorsements have been used since they were issued and filed by ISO several years ago.

With any claim, policy wording and the specific trigger driving losses determine the applicability of coverage. If a formal property business income claim is filed, it will be adjusted on the applicable policy wording and specific details driving the loss. Theodore & Associates is committed to supporting you through the challenges of the coronavirus. We will continue to monitor the evolving situation and work with you through this uncertain time.