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2 Ways Ohio is Lessening the Burden on Employers During COVID-19

Governor DeWine recently announced two measures designed to lessen the economic impact on Ohio employers of the effort to curb the spread of Coronavirus.

First, the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation will permit employers, without any lapse in coverage or penalty, to postpone workers’ comp premium installment payments due in March, April and May until June 1.

  • BWC will assess the situation in May and, if warranted, could further extend payment deferral into the summer and beyond.
  • The BWC has released a Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions resource focusing on workers’ comp issues specifically related to COVID-19.

Second, insurers are directed to give employers the option of deferring premium payments coming due, interest free, for up to 60 days.

  • Insurers also must permit employers to continue covering employees under group policies even if they would otherwise become ineligible due to reduced working hours.
  • Health plan issuers should review in its entirety this Bulletin issued by the Ohio Department of Insurance on March 20, which provides further guidance on following Governor DeWine’s directions to create procedures that help prevent or alleviate the public health threat consistent with the Department of Health’s recommendations.
 
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