The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many different aspects of daily life—including managing chronic conditions.

The combination of state and local governments ordering patients to stay home, providers postponing appointments and procedures, and employees choosing to stay at home instead of going to a doctor’s office has resulted in a significant decrease in health care utilization. In fact, according to a Harvard University study, outpatient services declined nearly 60% in mid-March and have remained low through mid-April. While the decreased health care utilization has allowed providers and facilities to prioritize COVID-19 treatments, it has increased the likelihood that patients aren’t effectively managing their chronic conditions.

On May 7, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued additional answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about how employers should comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) during the coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic. The additional FAQs were added to guidance that the EEOC originally issued on March 18, 2020, and updated on […]

What the Coronavirus Could Mean for Health Care Costs The insurance marketplace hinges on uncertainty.

Costs are determined by how likely an event is to happen. If something is known, it can be planned (and budgeted) for. That’s what makes the coronavirus pandemic so unsettling: No one knows what will happen. Different models predict different numbers of people getting infected with the coronavirus in the coming months. As the models show, more infections will mean higher health care costs overall. This article will identify critical areas to monitor and discuss the implications for health care marketplace costs.

HR Insights Blog HeaderDuring the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, some employers are currently staying open as essential businesses—for organizations that are not open, many plan to welcome back employees shortly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) advises that face coverings should be worn in public, including places of employment. There are many questions about the differences between masks and face coverings, and which is appropriate to wear. By familiarizing yourself with best practices related to masks and face coverings in the workplace, employers can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.