Connecticare: Answers to common business questions related to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Posted on March 27, 2020

See below from Connecticare

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and coverage for ConnectiCare members

We know you’re working hard to answer clients’ questions and help them through this unprecedented health crisis. Here is some information that we hope will help:

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Comprehensive list of answers to frequently asked questions. We will update this document as we have more information to share.

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Announcement of a temporary program of telehealth for covered medical and mental health services at in-network providers without copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance. Visits are free for any illness or injury – not just coronavirus (COVID-19). Read the news release.

Stay updated: point your clients and their employees to our coronavirus web page for information, updated regularly. We are also using our social media channels to remind members of their benefits and services available to them.

 

New special enrollment period for uninsured individuals

Access Health CT (ACHCT) announced a new special enrollment period so uninsured Connecticut residents can sign up for health insurance during the coronavirus emergency.

 

 

New special enrollment period

Who’s eligible?

ONLY qualified individuals who are uninsured, lawfully present, and not incarcerated.

When can I enroll?

The special enrollment period runs through Thursday, April 2, 2020.

When will my coverage start?

The effective date of coverage for all enrollments during the NEW special enrollment period will be April 1, 2020.

How can I enroll?

PHONE ONLY:
1-855-805-4325 (TTY: 1-855-365-2428)
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Monday – Friday

 

Learn more at Learn.AccessHealthCT.com.

Losing coverage for other reasons, including job changes or losses

We can help if you have clients who qualify for a special enrollment period now or in the coming days and months. Contact Broker Services at 1-800-723-2986, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for support.

Changes to large- and small-group plans and administration

We recently notified you of changes to large- and small-group plans and small-group plan administration scheduled to begin with May 1 new and renewing business. (See the March 2020 issue of SalesCall.) We’ve changed our timeline considering the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency. Changes to new and renewing group plans will start with Aug. 1, 2020 renewals and new business.

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Large groups – Your sales representative or account manager will contact you about renewals that we have quoted for May 1 and later. There will be no changes to the current process or account structure for May 1, June 1, or July 1 renewals or new business.

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Small groups – We will postpone moving small-group plan administration to CBIA Service Corp. Please continue to send all new and renewing group paperwork, member enrollments and changes to ConnectiCare. Employers should also continue to send premium payments to ConnectiCare. We are working closely with CBIA to ensure that May 1 new business and renewals are processed and premium payments applied to your clients’ accounts.

We look forward to being able to introduce you to the enhancements – including the First Health network for FlexPOS plans, and Teladoc telemedicine – this summer. Your account representatives are working from their homes and are available to answer your questions. Please do not hesitate to contact them.

Resources for business owners

These are difficult times for businesses. We cannot offer legal, financial or tax advice, but we can share some resources for the business community in Connecticut:

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Businesses can apply online for the state Department of Economic and Community Development’s Connecticut Recovery Bridge Loan Program for small businesses and nonprofits.

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The U.S. Treasury Department has announced a coronavirus-related paid-leave and tax-credit program for small- and mid-size business. Get more information.

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This comprehensive FAQ document from the governor’s office includes sections for employers and employees.

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The state Department of Labor’s SharedWork Program may help employers avoid layoffs by reducing staff hours while their workers collect partial unemployment benefits.

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The state Department of Labor also created a resource document for workers and employers.

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The Connecticut Business & Industry Association has business resource information on its website.