COVID-19 Resource Center
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness and Client Assistance
Promoting safety and well-being with self-service options
We’re committed to helping keep you safe during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and enabling you to manage your account through limited contact. We want to assure you we’re open for business and set up to provide responsive service through virtual business alternatives. Together, we’ll navigate this outbreak.
For 24/7 access to your account, we encourage clients to log in online at home by visiting our client portal or by clicking on the Account Log-in link on the website homepage. You can view your policy, access ID cards, pay your bill or submit a claim. If you don’t already have an online account, please reach out to your Account Executive and they will set you up immediately.
In an effort to balance service and safety, we remain open with our team members working remotely with full service capabilities. You can call us 908.234.1200 or contact us if you have questions or concerns.
Remote Work Resources
Personal Insurance
Rebooting Operations: Hanover has created the following link that provides a checklist of considerations for a safe reopening for businesses in general and when you scroll down, there are additional links regarding cleaning and disinfecting facilities, cloth face coverings etc.: https://www.hanover.com/articles/rebooting-operations.html
Remote Work Resources and Training
- Zoom Security Measures
- Ten Tips to Stay Cyber-Safe When Working Remotely – Chubb
- LinkedIn Learning Courses to optimize remote work
- PC Magazine 20 Tips for Working from Home
- MindTools Staying Focused When You’re Working from Home
- KTAR News Essential work-from-home security tips to keep hackers, scammers out
- EASE is a web based Employee Benefits Administration System. This is a solution that Meeker Sharkey & Hurley offers to all of our client at no additional charge. Goodbye Paper, Hello Ease
Reports of Phishing Emails Related to COVID-19
Be on the lookout for:
- e-mails from government organizations offering updates and extra resources on COVID-19
- e-mails asking you to verify personal information in order to be eligible for stimulus check from the federal government
- If there are updates on the current pandemic or requirements to sign up for the stimulus check, the message more than likely won’t come directly from a government organization
Government, Industry, and Health Agency Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Coronavirus Information Site
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): COVID-19 Partner Toolkit
- CMS FAQs on Essential Health Benefits
- COVID-19 Homepage: the U.S. government homepage for Coronavirus resources: https://www.coronavirus.gov/
- COVID-19 Resources by State: a complete list of pandemic resources by entity, including federal, state, and international websites. CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCES BY JURISDICTION
- COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Eligibility Wizard
NJ State and Federal Resources for Business Owners
In keeping with our commitment to serve as a resource for clients and business associates during this time of emergency, please note the following online sources of information:
- The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has created a website that directs business owners to various resources to assist financially due to negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health crisis: COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus Information for New Jersey Businesses. This site will be updated with any new programs or support that becomes available.
- Information is also available at: NJEDA Coronavirus Information
- The Small Business Administration provides relief for businesses through the traditional Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program that may apply to businesses affected by negative economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 epidemic. Please refer to the SBA’s website for up to date information. Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
- New federal legislation and appropriations intended to provide relief for businesses may allow you to apply for assistance for economic loss. Details of eligibility are still being determined. Please visit: SBA Disaster Assistance Information
- The SBA form “Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheet” can be completed online at: Disaster Loan Assistance
- The New Jersey Business Action Center maintains a helpline between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. 7 days a week at 1-800-JERSEY-7 to answer any questions you may have and direct you to the appropriate agency.
DOBI Issues Bulletin on Emergency Grace Period; Producers Required to Permit ‘Remote Payment’.
Gov. Phil Murphy issued Executive Order No. 123 on April 9, 2020. The order prohibits the nonpayment cancellation of property/casualty and life insurance policies, including those that are financed by premium-finance companies.
The Employers Guide to COVID-19
This HR Toolkit provides an overview of pressing issues employers face, including vital information on new federal laws such as the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and Coronavirus Aid, CARES Act, HIPAA privacy considerations, layoffs and furloughs, tax credits and much more. Note, due to the developing nature of the pandemic, the guidance in this toolkit will likely require updating. We will make every effort to provide the most accurate, timely information regarding COVID-19. Download Here.
Premium Payments While Under COVID-19 Financial Stress (New York)
A recent Executive Order issued by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, together with recent amendments to the insurance and banking regulations (the “regulations”) issued by the New York State Department of Financial Services (“Department”), extend grace periods and give you other rights under certain property/casualty insurance policies if you are an individual or small business and can demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”) pandemic (“affected policyholder”). These grace periods and rights are currently in effect but are temporary, though they may be extended further. Please check the Department’s website at https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/coronavirus for updates.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
- COVID-19 and the American Workplace
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA): R.6201 – Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Website)
- Families First Coronavirus Respone Act Q&A
- COVID-19 and the Fair Labor Standards Act Q&A
- COVID-19 and the Family and Medical Leave Act Q&A
- OSHA Guide to Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- OSHA COVID-19 Help and Resources
CARES Act Paycheck Protection
On March 27, 2020, the third major piece of legislation relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was signed into law. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) includes multiple provisions affecting employers and employee benefit plans, which are detailed here: The CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program, 4/2/20
UBA Compliance Recap – March 2020
March Was a Busy Month in the Employee Benefits World.
Questions Regarding Claims
- Is causing exposure an occurrence? CGL Coverage and Covid-19
- Business Interruption Policies and Coronavirus
Remote Work Resources
Personal Insurance
Rebooting Operations: Hanover has created the following link that provides a checklist of considerations for a safe reopening for businesses in general and when you scroll down, there are additional links regarding cleaning and disinfecting facilities, cloth face coverings etc.: https://www.hanover.com/articles/rebooting-operations.html
Remote Work Resources and Training
- Zoom Security Measures
- Ten Tips to Stay Cyber-Safe When Working Remotely – Chubb
- LinkedIn Learning Courses to optimize remote work
- PC Magazine 20 Tips for Working from Home
- MindTools Staying Focused When You’re Working from Home
- KTAR News Essential work-from-home security tips to keep hackers, scammers out
- EASE is a web based Employee Benefits Administration System. This is a solution that Meeker Sharkey & Hurley offers to all of our client at no additional charge. Goodbye Paper, Hello Ease
Reports of Phishing Emails Related to COVID-19
Be on the lookout for:
- e-mails from government organizations offering updates and extra resources on COVID-19
- e-mails asking you to verify personal information in order to be eligible for stimulus check from the federal government
- If there are updates on the current pandemic or requirements to sign up for the stimulus check, the message more than likely won’t come directly from a government organization
Government, Industry, and Health Agency Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Coronavirus Information Site
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS): COVID-19 Partner Toolkit
- CMS FAQs on Essential Health Benefits
- COVID-19 Homepage: the U.S. government homepage for Coronavirus resources: https://www.coronavirus.gov/
- COVID-19 Resources by State: a complete list of pandemic resources by entity, including federal, state, and international websites. CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RESOURCES BY JURISDICTION
- COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Eligibility Wizard
NJ State and Federal Resources for Business Owners
In keeping with our commitment to serve as a resource for clients and business associates during this time of emergency, please note the following online sources of information:
- The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has created a website that directs business owners to various resources to assist financially due to negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 public health crisis: COVID-19/Novel Coronavirus Information for New Jersey Businesses. This site will be updated with any new programs or support that becomes available.
- Information is also available at: NJEDA Coronavirus Information
- The Small Business Administration provides relief for businesses through the traditional Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program that may apply to businesses affected by negative economic conditions caused by the COVID-19 epidemic. Please refer to the SBA’s website for up to date information. Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
- New federal legislation and appropriations intended to provide relief for businesses may allow you to apply for assistance for economic loss. Details of eligibility are still being determined. Please visit: SBA Disaster Assistance Information
- The SBA form “Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheet” can be completed online at: Disaster Loan Assistance
- The New Jersey Business Action Center maintains a helpline between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. 7 days a week at 1-800-JERSEY-7 to answer any questions you may have and direct you to the appropriate agency.
DOBI Issues Bulletin on Emergency Grace Period; Producers Required to Permit 'Remote Payment'.
Gov. Phil Murphy issued Executive Order No. 123 on April 9, 2020. The order prohibits the nonpayment cancellation of property/casualty and life insurance policies, including those that are financed by premium-finance companies.
The Employers Guide to COVID-19
This HR Toolkit provides an overview of pressing issues employers face, including vital information on new federal laws such as the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and Coronavirus Aid, CARES Act, HIPAA privacy considerations, layoffs and furloughs, tax credits and much more. Note, due to the developing nature of the pandemic, the guidance in this toolkit will likely require updating. We will make every effort to provide the most accurate, timely information regarding COVID-19. Download Here.
Premium Payments While Under COVID-19 Financial Stress (New York)
A recent Executive Order issued by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, together with recent amendments to the insurance and banking regulations (the “regulations”) issued by the New York State Department of Financial Services (“Department”), extend grace periods and give you other rights under certain property/casualty insurance policies if you are an individual or small business and can demonstrate financial hardship as a result of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”) pandemic (“affected policyholder”). These grace periods and rights are currently in effect but are temporary, though they may be extended further. Please check the Department’s website at https://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumers/coronavirus for updates.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
- COVID-19 and the American Workplace
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA): R.6201 – Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Website)
- Families First Coronavirus Respone Act Q&A
- COVID-19 and the Fair Labor Standards Act Q&A
- COVID-19 and the Family and Medical Leave Act Q&A
- OSHA Guide to Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- OSHA COVID-19 Help and Resources
CARES Act Paycheck Protection
On March 27, 2020, the third major piece of legislation relating to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic was signed into law. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) includes multiple provisions affecting employers and employee benefit plans, which are detailed here: The CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program, 4/2/20
UBA Compliance Recap - March 2020
March Was a Busy Month in the Employee Benefits World.
Questions Regarding Claims
- Is causing exposure an occurrence? CGL Coverage and Covid-19
- Business Interruption Policies and Coronavirus
