Flexibility of Health Insurance Coverage in light of COVID-19

[LOGO] KAY IVEY GOVERNOR JIM L. RIDLING COMMISSIONER STATE OF ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE 201 MONROE STREET, SUITE 502 POST OFFICE BOX 303351 MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA 36130-3351 TELEPHONE: (334) 269-3550 FACSIMILE: (334) 241-4192 INTERNET: www.aldoi.gov DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS JERRY WORKMAN MARK FOWLER CHIEF EXAMINER RICHARD L. FORD STATE FIRE MARSHAL SCOTT F. PILGREEN GENERAL COUNSEL REYN NORMAN ## BULLETIN NO. 2020-07 TO: All Insurers Writing Health Insurance in Alabama FROM: Jim L. Ridling Commissioner of Insurance JLR DATE: April 17, 2020 RE: Flexibility of Health Insurance Coverage in light of COVID-19 EFFECTIVE: Immediate On March 13, 2020, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey declared the first state of public health emergency in Alabama due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor has since issued other supplemental declarations and more could follow. At this date, it is not certain when the public health emergency will be canceled. Additionally, several local governmental entities have issued some form of “shelter in place” order or or have imposed local curfews. More local governmental entities in Alabama could issue similar orders before the pandemic ends. Accordingly, the Commissioner hereby recommends and suggests health insurers consider exercising the following flexibility with respect to keeping employees on a health plan during this State of Emergency: ### Employee Eligibility Insurers are encouraged to permit employers to continue covering employees under group policies even if the employee would otherwise become ineligible due to a decrease in hours worked per week. Further, insurers are encouraged to permit employers to continue providing coverage to employees under group policies regardless of any “actively at work” or similar eligibility requirements in the policy. Additionally, insurers are encouraged not to increase premium rates if possible. Alabama Department of Insurance Established 1897 Bulletin No. 2020-07 April 17, 2020 Page 2 ## Continuation of Coverage Insurers are reminded of their responsibilities under COBRA and are encouraged to assist employers with their responsibilities. The Commissioner will not take enforcement action with respect to filed forms and rates against insurers that adjust policies, practices and notice periods to provide the flexibility suggested by this bulletin. JLR/JW/RN/WLR/ct