BWC and Other Ohio/Federal Employee Benefits Programs

Changes to Ohio BWC and other Ohio/Federal employee benefits programs are happening quickly these days. The following content was contributed by Peter Young, Senior Consultant at Paramount Preferred Solutions. As a NOACC Business Partner, Paramount Preferred Solutions, is continuously monitoring Ohio and U.S. governmental agencies for us and is providing important updates.

• BWC March/April/May 2020 premium installment payments may be deferred until June 1, 2020…there are pros/cons.
• BWC 2019-2020 payroll estimates can be reduced through May 31, 2020…free up immediate cash flow.
• BWC safety education/training requirements for some (but not all) 2019 rate year programs have been waived.
• BWC claims are now being filed by employees alleging on-the-job COVID-19 exposure.  Employers need to be preparing for lost-time and OSHA Recordable claims.  Group rating discounts could be at risk for up-to 4 years.
• BWC claims will likely be filed by employees alleging work-from-home injuries.  Employers need to be preparing for lost-time and OSHA Recordable claims.  Group rating discounts could be at risk for up-to 4 years.
• Ohio families with/without health insurance needs access to high-quality low-cost health services at discounted rates now more than ever.  PPS offers a non-insured bundles of services, including online doctor/specialist, nurse call-line, caregiver support, health advocacy and telemedicine programs, and 10%-85% discounts off pharmacy services…and more.
• Ohio layoffs, furloughs or reduced hours/wages decisions are hard.  What route makes the most sense, which option is the safest from a benefits/legal standpoint, and are recently-passed U.S. CARES Act legislation better options?
• U.S. Family First Coronavirus Response Act starts 4/1/2020. Emergency Paid Sick Leave and FMLA Caregiver Paid Leave now available to employees of public and private employers with less than 500 employees…exceptions and rules are evolving.  Covered employers must display the attached poster in a conspicuous place on their premises. (A lot of companies are now emailing this to their at-home employees).