HOW TO OPERATE “VIRTUALLY” DURING COVID-19

How to Operate “Virtually” During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold across Canada and around the world. It’s a health crisis like none we have seen before. Canadian health authorities have spoken strongly about the importance of social distancing as a means to slow down and stop the spread of the virus. Now, as individuals, businesses, non-profits, institutions and community groups, we’re trying to figure out how to operate while maintaining social distance. In many scenarios, the safest and most efficient way to operate while maintaining social distance is to operate “virtually”.

Operating “virtually”

For most of us, operating “virtually” means we’re not physically present while conducting our business. Usually, we do this by using technology – the internet or over the telephone.

In many cases, we already conduct much of our day-to-day business virtually. Ever deposit a cheque in your bank account using your bank’s mobile app? Perfect example. Luckily, employee benefits can also be operated virtually.

How your employee benefits can operate “virtually”

Plan Member
As a plan member or employee covered under an employee benefits plan, you can still utilize your employee benefits even during a crisis like COVID-19. Many providers are offering services virtually to comply with social distancing regulations. So, how do you submit claims and be reimbursed if things are operating virtually?

Online claims submission is the answer. At GroupHEALTH, for example, plan members can sign in on a computer or download a mobile app to access a claims submission platform. Visit www.mygrouphealth.ca to get started. GroupHEALTH’s myGroupHEALTH platform allows you to view coverage information, submit claims and be reimbursed through direct deposit.

Plan Sponsor
Plan sponsors or employers who are sponsoring employee benefit plans must also work virtually to continue providing the plan to employees. Nowadays, many providers like GroupHEALTH already have “paperless” options for billing and online platforms for administering the plan.

Plan sponsors are likely already familiar with WEBS Online for managing their employee benefits plan. Now instead of receiving a paper bill (if paper bills were previously being received), plan administrators will receive their bills electronically, through WEBS Online.
Continued access to GroupHEALTH’s team via telephone is available, as their teams work remotely as well.

Operating virtually benefits everyone right now.

Around the world, scientists and doctors agree that one of the best ways to slow down and stop the spread of COVID-19 is social distancing. We know that this means maintaining a distance of at least two metres between people, and we’re all doing our part to distance.

Operating “virtually” is the best and safest way to accomplish this. It truly does benefit everyone.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as during more “normal” times, there are some other great advantages to online platforms and virtual services:

• Quick turnaround for claims submissions and payment
• Direct deposit payments (no need to visit a bank)
• On-the-go claims submission
• Easy access to records, including past claims and benefit booklets
• User-friendly videos and information

Good Advice is Key

Adapting your routine and your day to day life to practice social distancing is vitally important right now. Changing aspects of your life to operate “virtually” is a great way to accomplish this.

If you need help accessing group benefits info or services, or advice on how to operate virtually, we’re here to help (virtually, of course!).