6.8a | 2022 COVID Sick Leave

Oh no, you might not just be sick but might have COVID-19 as well! Not to worry, CTC has you covered and is here to also share all the legislative movements around COVID-19 and what that means for your sick time.

While all Federal and State-specific mandates expired in October of 2021 and additional extensions are still being revised, CTC will continue to offer the below as an extension of care, health, and wellness to our staff in this era of a long-lasting pandemic.

Qualifications for Leave

• Available for employees who are unable to work because they are obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine, or are recovering from any illness, injury, or condition related to such vaccine [side effects]: and
• Available for employees who are unable to work because they are seeking or waiting for the results of a diagnostic test or awaiting a medical diagnosis.

Coverage

• Up to two weeks (80 hours, or a part-time employee’s two-week equivalent) of paid sick leave based on the higher of their regular rate of pay, or the applicable state or federal minimum wage with proof of COVID positve test results.

COVID Booster & Vaccination Shots

With the COVID Omicron variant, you might be wanting to get your next series of shots, or that of your child, whether that be a vaccination or booster.

If you do, CTC will provide an additional sick day titled “COVID Booster Sick Day”  if you or someone in your direct care ends up having a reaction to the booster/shot. 

In the event you need to take any COVID-related sick time or have further questions, please reach out to your friendly Director of People + Talent. We are here to support you!

Non-Sick Leave | Additional Mandates

Biden-Harris Administration | At-Home Testing

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued guidance, starting January 15, 2022, to implement an order passed down from the Biden-Harris Administration regarding health plans covering or reimbursing costs for over-the-counter (OTC) at-home rapid COVID-19 tests without requiring health plan participants to pay any of the amounts.

What does this mean for you?

• Employees, including dependents, covered by an employer-sponsored health plan can buy an OTC test approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and will be able to either have it paid for upfront by their health plan or can receive a reimbursement after a claim has been submitted. Purchases can be made online or at a pharmacy or store. 

What to know?

• The DOL’s Benefits Security Administration posted FAQs on January 10, sharing in their FAQs that “OTC test purchases will be covered without the need for a health care provider’s order or individualized clinical assessment, and without any cost-sharing requirements such as deductibles, co-payments or co-insurance, prior authorization, or other medical management requirements.” 

In the event tests are covered upfront by plans and insurers, they will still be required to reimburse tests purchased by consumers outside of that plan’s network. The reimbursement amounts will be based on per individual test, at a rate of up to $12 (or the exact cost of the test should it be less than $12).

Free tests by mail?

• The Biden-Harris Administration also announced on December 21st, the federal government is purchasing a large quantity of at-home COVID-19 testing kits that will be distributed to the public by mail through a dedicated website, all free of charge to those who request them.

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