Hello Chamber Members and Partners,
Here are the latest updates and resources for businesses and employees during this uncertain time.
Send us any questions or updates you may have, we are here to help provide information, connect the dots and assure those in the North Country that we will get through this together.
Onward and Be Well!
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GOVERNOR COMMITS TO REOPENING NEW YORK STATE REGIONALLY; ELECTIVE OUTPATIENT TREATMENT TO RESUME IN SOME BUT NOT ALL COUNTIES
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In his daily briefing on Tuesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo stated that New York will reopen at a different rate in different regions.
"We're going to make reopening decisions on a regional basis based on that region's facts and circumstances," the Governor stated. "Just like some states will reopen before other states because they have a different circumstance when it comes to COVID and their status with COVID, it's also true across the state. The North Country has a totally different situation than New York City. Central New York has a different situation. We operate as one state but we also have to understand variations, and you do want to get this economy open as soon as possible."
We are in high level contact to offer support an assistance with assessments and planning related to the North Country.
On the hospital front, the Governor announced that elective outpatient treatment can resume in counties and hospitals without significant risk of COVID-19 surge starting next week. Restrictions on elective surgery will remain in place in 19 counties including Clinton.
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U.S. SENATE APPROVES ADDITIONAL CORONVIRUS RELIEF FUNDING
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Yesterday, the Senate passed a $484 billion economic stimulus package which includes funding for hospitals, increased testing capabilities, and renewed funding for the Small Business Administration loan and grant programs - the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
Here’s what we know so far about how the funding is being allocated
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- $75 billion will go to hospitals and health care providers to support coronavirus-related expenses and lost revenue.
- $25 billion for research to develop, validate, manufacture, purchase and administer COVID-19 tests.
- $6 million to cover Health and Human Services Inspector General oversight.
- $310 billion is authorized to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program.
- $250 billion for the PPP as it currently exists.
- $60 billion will be set aside for smaller lending facilities, including minority depository institutions, certified development companies, and credit unions.
- $60 billion will go to replenish the Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loan program
- $50 billion for loans
- $10 billion for grants
- $2.1 billion for additional salaries and expenses for the Small Business Administration.
The bill will now move to the House for a vote which, while subject to change, is currently expected to take place as soon as Thursday. Following approval by the House, it will head to the President’s desk for a signature. Once the bill has been signed into law, we anticipate that the SBA will begin accepting applications again for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program and Paycheck Protection Program.
For those waiting to submit a PPP application, we encourage you to contact your lending institution now to confirm they will be accepting applications once funding has been restored. We also encourage you to stay in touch with your lender and gather the information needed for the application ahead of time. More information on the program and how to apply can be found
here.
For those waiting to submit an EIDL application, we encourage you to frequently check the
SBA’s website
for more information.
We do anticipate there will be a large demand for both programs once they reopen, so we do ask that applicants be patient, friendly, and courteous when applying and interacting with our local lenders and SBA staff – just like us, they are here to help.
We will continue to monitor this, and other pertinent legislation, and will continue to provide timely updates via our Daily Dose e-newsletter, northcountrychamber.com website, webinars, and more!
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S QUICK TIPS FOR KEEPING EMPLOYEES SAFE
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The DOL has posted
short, shareable motion graphics
highlighting health and safety tips on hand washing and more on their YouTube channels. Find more tips to keep workers safe during the coronavirus pandemic at thei Department of Labor's website.
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COVID-19 HEALTH INSURANCE UPDATES
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A Message from EXCELLUS BCBS
In these uncertain times, we’re doing everything we can to fulfill our corporate mission:
to provide the people in the communities we serve with access to high quality, affordable health care. One way we can help is by providing some financial relief for those small groups who may be experiencing financial hardships at this time.
We notified our small employer groups, that
we will be providing up to a two-month grace period for their premium payments.
This extended payment period is not a complete waiver of payment, but it allows groups to delay their April and May payments until June 1, 2020, without negatively impacting their account standing or credit history.
We’re asking those groups who need to take advantage of this grace period to provide us with a hardship verification form. Please contact your
account representative
with any questions. Links and phone number in them will be live when the email is sent.
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A Message from BlueShield of Northeastern New York
What you need to know
Small business federal relief funding is available through the
CARES Act
Payment Protection Program (PPP).
This loan is designed to support company payroll, which includes maintaining health insurance coverage for your employees. This loan may be forgiven if at least 75 percent is applied to payroll expenses. We’ve taken measures to make it easier to make full or partial premium payments via our e-billing tool.
If you can prove your financial hardship is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, you have the option to defer health insurance premium payments until June 1, 2020.
Please note:
This is not a waiver of premium payment responsibility. If you are unable to pay deferred premium payments by June 1, 2020, coverage for your group may be terminated. All other claims will continue to be paid as normal.
What you need to do
Call your
account executive
to take advantage of the premium payment deferral option.
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A Message from MVP
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a New York small group that did not make a timely April premium payment to MVP may defer payment, if the policyholder demonstrates financial hardship via a
written attestation
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Once the attestation has been submitted, you have until 11:59 pm on June 1, 2020 to pay the deferred premiums to MVP.
If your group is experiencing financial hardship, you have the option of choosing a different policy either from MVP or from another insurer, or with the assistance of a broker or agent. You can also visit
nystateofhealth.ny.gov
to learn more about the New York State of Health Small Business Marketplace.
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If you still have questions about your health insurance premiums or if you are in need of health insurance, please
email Lisa
to explore your options.
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The home page of the Chamber's website is now your go to resource for all things Coronavirus related. From information to help your business, health insurance, employee guidelines, restaurant offerings and CDC resources, northcountrychamber.com will hopefully make things a bit easier for you during this challenging time.
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- Looking for Supplies: If your business is looking for hard to find protective products, we have created a list of businesses offering hand sanitizer, gloves, wipes, masks and other items.
- Now Hiring: Whether you are hiring or looking for work, we have a page dedicated to helping pair potential employees with employers.
- Webinars: Did you miss one of our webinars, you can find them all here.
- How to Help: If you are looking for a way to help the North Country, we have created an ever growing list of needs in our community. And if you are a non-profit, health care organization or a business helping those in need, email us with your needs, contact information and we will be happy to add you to our growing list.
- SCORE: Visit Scores Coronavirus page for webinars and useful articles for small businesses.
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Have Questions? We're here to help!
North Country Chamber of Commerce
518.563.1000
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