Extension of WHF Health Benefits Coverage

RE: WHF Board of Trustees Approval of Extension of WHF Health Benefits Coverage

Dear WHF Member/Employer,

As we are all aware, the United States is responding to a global outbreak of respiratory disease named coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”). On January 31, 2020, the US Health and Human Services Secretary declared a public health emergency for the US to aid the nation’s healthcare community in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 13, 2020, the President declared the COVID-19 outbreak a national emergency.

It is the hope of every individual at Wisconsin Health Fund (“WHF”) that you and yours are safe and doing as well as can be expected during these unprecedented times. Serving WHF’s membership continues to be our highest priority, and WHF remains committed to meeting your needs.

In support of that commitment, the WHF Board of Trustees just approved the availability of a four-week extension of existing WHF health benefits coverage for members and their covered dependents if a member suffers a layoff due to the effects of COVID-19. This extension of existing coverage is available for any currently covered WHF member who has suffered or suffers a layoff due to the effects of COVID-19 from April 1, 2020 through September 1, 2020.

This extension of existing coverage will begin on the date the covered member’s existing employer-sponsored WHF health benefits coverage would have otherwise expired, including any employer-sponsored extension of WHF health benefits coverage. Any previously applicable employee premium contributions will also be waived during this four-week extension of existing WHF health benefits coverage. The covered member’s existing health benefits coverage as of April 1, 2020 will remain in place during the entire applicable four-week extension period.

WHF is proud of the performance of its entire staff in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are thankful for our continued opportunity to serve WHF members.

If you have any questions regarding the four-week extension of existing WHF health benefits coverage described in this letter, please contact WHF Customer Service at 888-208-8808.

Sincerely,

Michael S. Lovely
Executive Director