Having trouble viewing this email? Please View in browser
April 17th, 2020
COVID-19 News & Updates
As you know, the Coronavirus is having an impact on business and society. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by the situation. We will be providing daily and weekly updates about COVID-19 to you. We hope that you find these interesting and informative.

Check on the status of your Economic Impact Payment
This application will give you information about:
  • Your payment status
  • Your payment type
  • Whether they need more information from you, including bank account information
 
You May Need:
  • Your 2019 return, if filed, and
  • Your 2018 return
First Responders can file for virus-tied workers’ comp

“The first executive order Hutchinson announced allows first responders and frontline health care workers to receive workers’ compensation if they contract covid-19 while on the job.

The second order grants medical emergency responders immunity from legal liability for actions taken during the covid-19 emergency. Hutchinson said the order is intended to allow those health care workers to do what they believe is necessary during emergency situations without fear of being sued.“

Resource Guide: Financial Tools, Aid for Businesses Hurt by COVID-19

  • Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
encourages businesses with fewer than 500 employees to retain workers and maintain wages through forgivable loans. Businesses will apply for the loans through their banks.
  • Federal Reserve's Main Street Lending Program
$600 billion lending program to provide liquidity to small- and medium-sized businesses hurt by COVID-19. The  Main Street Lending Program  offers 4-year loans to companies with up to 10,000 employees or with revenues less than $2.5 billion.
  • Internal Revenue Service
The IRS has launched  the Employee Retention Credit , designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50 percent of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially affected by COVID-19.

  • SBA Debt Relief
  • SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan
  • SBA Express Bridge Loans
  • More on SBA Resources & Loans
  • Federal Rescue Plan: CARES
  • Families First Coronavirus Response Act
  • Quick Action Loan Program
  • Arkansas Community Foundation
Updating Health Plans for Coronavirus Changes

Highlights:
Employers may be considering the following changes to their health plans:
  • Waiving certain eligibility requirements for employees who are furloughed or laid off
  • Offering a special mid-year enrollment window
  • Allowing a health FSA or HRA to reimburse OTC drugs and menstrual care products
  • Allowing an HDHP to cover COVID-19 treatment and telehealth without a deductible

On behalf of all of our team, please know that we are here for you and that we will continue to do everything we can to support you during this time. Please do not hesitate to let us know if there is anything you need! 

The Hatcher Agency
Sources:
Article 4: Updating Health Plans for Coronavirus Changes-Zywave
Article 5: Graph