Important changes to USG healthcare plan coverage

As a result of two federal guidelines recently released, we wanted to make you aware of important changes to the USG Healthcare plan and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) plan.

First, the COVID-19 Disaster Relief guidance went into effect on May 4, 2020, and broadly extends the window of time you have to process a qualifying life event, elect and pay for COBRA coverage, file a claim or appeal, and request reimbursement from your Healthcare Flexible Spending Account. Second, the IRS released Notice 2020-29 which temporarily grants employer health plans greater flexibility to allow mid- year changes and extends the window employees have to file FSA claims for 2019 funds.

In response to these guidelines, the USG Healthcare plan has implemented several changes to the plan. The changes are as follows:

• If you experience a qualifying life event, you have additional time to make mid-year changes due to your qualifying life event. You may process a qualifying life event 30 days after the end of the State of National Emergency.
• For the remainder of 2020, you may make changes to your healthcare coverage (i.e. change plans, add coverage, add dependents or drop coverage), regardless of whether or not you experience a qualifying life event. Note: If you cancel coverage, you must provide written verification that you have or will have other coverage.
• You can continue to file for reimbursement of 2019 expenses through your 2019 Healthcare FSA through December 31, 2020. This includes expenses that occur after March 15, 2020.

For additional information regarding these changes, please visit the USG Benefits COVID-19 website or contact the OneUSG Connect - Benefits call center at 1-844-587-4236. Representatives are available Monday – Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern.

The USG is also extending 100% coverage for telehealth visits (Livehealth On-line and/or virtual provider visits) through Sept. 30, 2020 for employees enrolled in the USG healthcare plans. This information has been posted to the USG Benefits Coronavirus webpage.

For more information or questions, contact Human Resources.