March 18, 2020
As we previously shared, last week the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) by a bipartisan vote of 363-40. The U.S. Senate is debating that bill now and it is expected they will pass the bill (likely with changes) imminently. The President has indicated his support for the legislation and all expectations are that he will sign H.R. 6201 into law, assuming it passes the Senate. A summary of the bill’s major features are below. Note: this bill is NOT yet passed but adoption (with modifications) is expected soon:
- Requires group health plans (insured or self-funded), health insurers and government programs to provide free coronavirus testing.
- Requires employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave related to caring for a child via an expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (with the first 10 days unpaid).
- Requires employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide up to 80 hours (generally two weeks) of emergency paid “sick” leave to full-time employees (with special rules for part-time employees).
- Provides tax credits for required paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave and certain health plan expenses.
- Appropriates $1 billion to states for unemployment insurance expansion.
- Increases Medicaid funding.
- Provides additional nutritional services for low-income Americans, particularly students who ordinarily receive subsidized meals at school.
As soon as final details are issued we will circulate them right away along with how it will impact employers and plan sponsors. We will continue to provide updates on issues related to the coronavirus to keep you abreast of key developments. Thank you.
Please visit our COVID-19 Resource Center to find more helpful information.
Click here for a printable download.
NOTE: THE RESOURCES PROVIDED ON THIS PAGE SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONSULT YOUR LEGAL COUNSEL.
