This notice explains COBRA continuation coverage, when it may become available to you and your family, and what you need to do to protect your right to get it and how this right has been modified to deal with the COVID‐19 outbreak.

Temporary suspensions of certain participant deadlines, such as those for electing COBRA continuation coverage, making COBRA premium payments, requesting HIPAA special enrollment after a qualifying event such as birth, adoption, or loss of other group coverage, and for filing claims and appeals, will end on July 10, 2023, which is 60 days after the end of the COVID-19 National Emergency, unless your plan specifically provides otherwise.

California state laws add six months to the federal COVID-19 public health emergency requirements on health plans to continue covering COVID-19 tests, vaccines and therapeutic treatment from any licensed provider (in- or out- of-network) with no prior authorization or enrollee cost sharing. The public health emergency ends on May 11, 2023, and state laws extend these requirements for six months through Nov. 11, 2023.

While you may have a short period after contracting COVID-19 during which you have a heightened natural immunity, it diminishes over time, leaving you susceptible to the virus again.

Beginning January 15, 2022, and in accordance with new federal guidance, the Plan will cover the cost of FDA-approved over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic tests, or “rapid antigen home tests,” purchased without a health care provider’s order or individualized clinical assessment.

Wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and washing hands also help reduce the virus’ spread, but we must also receive the vaccine in order to get the disease under control. Only through vaccinations can we develop widespread immunity and return to a long-awaited sense of normality.

Here are a few reasons to trust the effectiveness of the vaccines if you are still on the fence about receiving one.

Though, as usual, there are some changes to the Plan, the Trustees have made every effort to help our participants retain their coverage for 2021, even as we continue to protect and preserve the financial future of the Trust for the coming years.

Routine vaccination is an essential preventive care service for children, adolescents and adults, including pregnant women. Vaccines should not be delayed because of COVID-19.

Teladoc is a national network of U.S. board-certified physicians, licensed in California, who are available by phone or video.

As news of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) evolves, you may find yourself growing increasingly anxious or stressed. If so, you are not alone.

Just as you prepare when there is a bad weather forecast, or other emergencies you should prepare for the likely increase of COVID-19 outbreaks throughout the U.S. Don’t panic — but do prepare.