Anthem just released information related to extending enrollment opportunities to individuals who had previously declined enrolling in their employer’s group health insurance plan. Certain relief was also provided for continuation of a person’s medical insurance. Anthem writes:

Our primary focus is our members’ health and well-being, and making sure they have access to the care they need. In response to the national COVID-19 emergency, we are giving your employees more time to enroll in a health plan, file and appeal claims, elect COBRA continuation coverage, and pay COBRA premiums.

In May, the U.S. Department of Labor issued guidance allowing ERISA health plans to suspend key timeframes from March 1, 2020, until 60 days after the federal government declares the end of the national emergency or outbreak period in your area, whichever is later.

This applies to Fully Insured and self-funded ERISA employer-sponsored plans only.

Anthem is extending timeframes to make it easier for employees to:

• Take advantage of special enrollment if they previously declined employer-sponsored coverage but would now like to enroll.
• Elect COBRA continuation coverage if they lose their job or their work hours are reduced.
• Pay COBRA premiums.
• File or appeal claims.
• Notify their plan of qualifying life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a baby or adoption, or disability determination related to COBRA coverage.

If you have questions, please contact the benefits consultant who handles your group at our insurance agency.