Health & Group Benefits Update
Termination of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and National Emergency
Update on issues affecting Taft-Hartley and Single Employer Plans
By Stephanie M. Peterson and Steven Lum
15 May 2023
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We looked at a number of considerations that plan sponsors of health benefit plans are facing in light of the federal COVID-19 emergencies expiring.
As of May 11, 2023, the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) and National Emergency (NE) were over. In this Benefits Update, we explain what this means for plan sponsors. As coverage requirements change, we look at:
- Over-the-counter and in-office tests
- COVID-19 vaccines
- Standalone telehealth benefits
- Noncompliance relief for the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act
- Employee assistance programs
- Reinstatement of deadlines applicable to benefit plans and participants
- Communication and plan-related notices