Insights

On Saturday, March 14, 2020, the House passed HR 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the FFCRA), which contains several different provisions (also called Acts). The Senate is considering the FFCRA. This means the FFCRA is NOT yet law and could change significantly before it becomes law. This summary meant to help employers understand potential changes under this proposed legislation.

In short, the FFCRA: 1) Provides a new paid sick leave entitlement for work absences related to the coronavirus (COVID-19); 2) extends and expands FMLA protections for similar absences; 3) provides tax credits for employers to help address related employer costs of these benefits; and 4) requires group health plans to cover COVID-19 related tests, services, and other items without employee cost-sharing. Generally, the first three provisions apply to employers with fewer than 500 employees and would be in effect through 2020 (the fourth would apply to any group health plan and would not have an expiration date). All four provisions would take effect 15 days after enactment (signature by the president).

Click below for a description of these FFCRA provisions, as passed by the House.