Helpful Employer Resources to Tackle the Effects of COVID-19

QTR 1 2020

COVID-19 is Threatening our Business Lives

310-909-6135

With the coronavirus (COVID-19) creating uncertainty and impacting the daily operations of our local businesses, we would like to share resources from the Santa Monica & California Chambers of Commerce which we find very useful on mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on your business.

The California Chamber of Commerce has compiled this list of top resources for employers during this uncertain time.

Furthermore, the LA Small Business Development Center has provided a number of resources, including

The State of California has numerous resources and programs for businesses facing hardship due to the coronavirus , including

Reduced Work Hours

Employers experiencing a slowdown in their business or services as a result of the coronavirus may apply for the UI Work Sharing Program. This program allows employers to seek an alternative to layoffs - retaining their trained employees by reducing their hours and wages that can be partially offset with UI benefits. Workers of employers who are approved to participate in the Work Sharing Program receive the percentage of their weekly UI benefit amount based on the percentage of hours and wages reduced, not to exceed 60 percent.

Visit Work Sharing Program to learn more about its benefits for employers and employees, and how to apply.

Potential Closure or Layoffs

Employers planning a closure or major layoffs as a result of the coronavirus can get help through the Rapid Response program. Rapid Response teams will meet with you to discuss your needs, help avert potential layoffs, and provide immediate on-site services to assist workers facing job losses. For more information, refer to the Rapid Response Services for Businesses Fact Sheet or contact your local America's Job Center of California.

Tax Assistance

Employers experiencing a hardship as a result of COVID-19 may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and/or deposit state payroll taxes without penalty or interest. A written request for extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return.

For questions, employers may call the EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center.

* Toll-free from the U.S. or Canada: 1-888-745-3886

* Hearing impaired (TTY): 1-800-547-9565

* Outside the U.S. or Canada: 1-916-464-3502

In This Issue

Worried about your business travel plans for 2020?

Looking for affordable health insurance? Find a quote by using the

Quick Links

Solid Health Insurance

Anthem Blue Cross

Blue Shield

Cigna

Kaiser Permanente

OSCAR

Insurance Carrier Response to COVID-19

All insurance carriers are offering fr ee cost-sharing for testing COVID-19. All carriers encourage the use of telemedicine in this critical time. Furthermore, your e mployees should utilize mail-order prescription services which provide up to 90 days supply right to your door.

With the focus on social distancing, encourage your employees to work from home, if possible, and advise sick employees to stay at home. Please read our blog for more details.

Worried about your business travel plans for 2020?

Most regular trip cancellation policies do not cover pandemics such as the coronavirus. A solid plan that can provide trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage due to coronavirus pandemic situations is the Worldwide Trip Protector Plus Plan by Travel Insured International. It requires that you have purchased the policy within 21 days of initial trip payment or deposit and full pre-p aid

trip costs. This plan will provide with trip cancellation / trip interruption / travel delay coverage, $100,000 of primary travel medical coverage, and $1,000,000 emergency medical evacuation.

For a quote please click here.

Please contact us with any questions at info@solidhealthinsurance.com

In these very challenging times, remember to stay calm and make sure to take care of your own personal health. To reduce your stress, keep a healthy diet, get enough sleep, go outside, excercise and meditate. We all have been through tough times before and know there will be a brighter future to come.

PS. My email has changed barb@solidhealthinsurance.com.

Please update your contact info.

Stay healthy and positive!

Barbara G. Kempen

Solid Insurance Services

310-909-6135 .

Referral Fee	Referrals are my life line! A gift certificate of $ 15.00 from Starbucks will be awarded for any referred closed insurance deal.