COVID-19 Emergency Declarations Are Now Void: Stinson's Schmid Addresses Group Health Plan Changes

05.11.2023

Stinson LLP attorney Stephanie Schmid authored an article for the Hennepin Lawyer, "End of COVID-19 Emergency Declarations: Group Health Plan Changes and Actions for Employers."

The article details the changes employers should consider now that the COVID-19 public health and national emergencies have ended.

"The end of the national emergency and the public health emergency will have significant impacts on group health plans," Schmid writes. She outlines issues employers that sponsor group health plans need to consider:

1. COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing.
2. Mental Health Parity Relief.
3. Health Savings Account Eligibility Relief.
4. COVID-19 Vaccines.
5. Participant Deadline Extensions.
6. Plan Amendments and Participant Notice.

She continues, "It is important for employers to review all related information and documents to ensure compliance and understanding of these upcoming changes. Employers should review their group health plans in the event they need to prepare amendments and work with their service providers and legal counsel."

Schmid assists employers of all sizes and from various industries on implementing and maintaining retirement and health and welfare plans to ensure compliance with ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code, and other applicable laws.

Read the full article.