Bite-Sized Insights Into a World of Risk
Volume 2, Issue 10
In this issue, we take a focused look at the following:
- Feature Focus
- Supply Chain and Business Risks
- Insurance Products and Coverage Information
- Human Resources and Employee Benefits
The coronavirus crisis created the need to provide commentary on areas of concern. With the evolution of the pandemic, going forward, each issue will include a focus feature on a timely topic impacting the insurance industry. Relevant updates about coronavirus, including insights from across the firm, will continue to be presented as necessary. As always, the information presented here is intended to provide a high-level overview of critical areas of concern for businesses. Consult your EPIC insurance broker for more in-depth guidance.
Presumptive Compensability Legislation
More than 30 states have enacted broad protections for businesses against coronavirus liability suits. Missouri and Texas are the latest to enact such legislation that provides broad immunity to businesses, health care providers and other entities from being assigned blame for a person’s coronavirus exposure, injury or death. Interestingly, protection measures are outpacing liability lawsuits, which have yet to manifest in the large numbers lawmakers feared. About half of the measures have been passed in 2021.
As this remains an evolving issue, the National Law Review has compiled a helpful list of the state, territorial and local government policies (proposed or passed) in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It is organized by state and is available online:
For more information, contact an EPIC broker.
News of Note
The passage of another two weeks has brought forth more developments across the insurance world. Here is a rundown of recent news stories of interest.
- Revisions to Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard Withdrawn, Business Insurance, June 10
- Oregon OSHA Cites Employers for Coronavirus Violations, Business Insurance, June 8
- In Coronavirus Coverage Dispute, PA Court Hands Insured a Rare Win, The National Law Review, June 7
- Three More Business Interruption Claims See Their Day in Court, Risk & Insurance, June 7
- Insurers’ Coronavirus Notepad: What You Need to Know Now, Lexology, June 7
- Lakers Say Insurer is Using Strawman to Duck Virus Coverage, Law 360, June 4
Insights From Across the Firm
EPIC thought leaders have written numerous articles on matters relating to coronavirus, all of which are available on EPIC’s website. The most recent articles include:
- Where’s the Healthcare Money Made?, June 10
- EPIC Pharmacy Team Delivers State of Specialty Drug Spend, June 10
- EEOC Updates on Coronavirus Vaccine Incentive Programs, June 9
- IRS Releases Guidance on COBRA Subsidies and Tax Credits, June 4
- Keys to a Successful 2022 Employee Benefits Strategy Season, May 24
Conclusion
Our understanding of coronavirus and its impact around the world continues to evolve at a rapid pace. This newsletter briefly touches on issues that businesses may want to consider as they approach their response to novel coronavirus. More topics will be considered in future issues as our understanding of the virus and its impact continues to evolve. Please reach out to your EPIC broker for more information.
For all of EPIC’s coronavirus coverage, visit epicbrokers.com/coronavirus
Disclaimer: This has been provided as an informational resource for EPIC clients and business partners. It is intended to provide general guidance on potential exposures and is not intended to provide medical advice or address medical concerns or specific risk circumstances. Due to the dynamic nature of infectious diseases, EPIC cannot be held liable for the guidance provided. We strongly encourage readers to seek additional safety, medical and epidemiological information from credible sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Regarding insurance coverage questions, whether coverage applies or a policy will respond to any risk or circumstance is subject to the specific terms and conditions of the policies and contracts at issue and underwriter determinations.
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