As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, I will do everything I can to provide the most up-to-date information for my valued clients and community. The best way for us to all do our part in the prevention of this virus starts at taking social distancing measures to help reduce the number of new cases, and protect communities. Self-isolation is essential if you have symptoms or have been diagnosed. Of course, it’s best to stay home if you do not need medical assistance. When out and about for essential reasons (i.e. grocery shopping) keep a distance between yourself and others. At this time it’s important to avoid crowds and large social events entirely, if possible.
Here are some common questions that might clear up your immediate confusion and anxiety related to Covi, as of March 20, 2020:
Do I have disability coverage if I contact COVID-19 or am quarantined?
If you hold Weekly Indemnity coverage under Chambers Plan and have contracted COVID-19, or have been under quarantine, or both, you can submit a claim. A self-imposed quarantine, not ordered by a Provincial Health Authority or a physician, is not considered a disability. A quarantine requested by an employer is also not considered a disability. If you do not have Weekly Indemnity coverage and are placed under quarantine, you may be eligible for Employment Insurance benefits.
Given these uncertain times and the possibility of delays in public services, what’s the best way to manage my plan and submit claims?
The best way to manage your plan is through our online benefits platform, my-benefits.ca. If you haven’t created an account, you can do so by clicking “sign-up” and then following the steps.
Once you’ve created an account you can sign up for direct deposit of claims payments to receive reimbursement of your claims, as soon as they are processed.
Do I have any trip cancellation? If I need to return home prior to the end of my scheduled trip, will I be covered?
Chambers Plan does not offer any trip cancellation or interruption under the out-of-country coverage.
For employers, the best ways to proceed in the workplace with the risks of COVID-19 include practicing the following:
- Make sure employees are informed and have access to reliable information
- Assess the situation daily and adjust the information if necessary
- Rely on trusted sources of information to share with your teams – for support, contact our Health Information Specialists or refer to your Health Navigation platform
- Provide access to handwashing areas and hand sanitizer while promoting hygiene best practices
- If possible, allow employees to work from home or arrange schedules to reduce social contact
- Be flexible with sick day requests and adjust your policies as needed
- If you are sick, stay at home
- Learn from COVID-19 and prepare for future similar events
Below is a resource guide created by the clinical team at Novus Health®, our partner that powers our my-benefits health® platform, containing useful information for employers and their employees and further developed answers to the questions above, and more.
Watch this webinar, where Teladoc Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lew Levy, and Director of Clinical Quality and Informatics, Dr. Bridget K. McCabe, discusses the latest updates on the COVID-19 outbreak, protocols in place to identify and report cases, best practices for educating and preparing your population, and the role of virtual care in minimizing exposure to potentially contagious viruses.
