Health, Auto, Home, Life Coverage Critical to Economic Security
BOSTON – Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn is filing a resolution calling for insurance carriers to provide continuous coverage for their policyholders during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. During this uncertain time, it is critical that our residents have continuous access to their health insurance, as well as auto, home, renter’s and life insurance that are all necessary to their safety and economic security. The resolution urges that insurance companies and the Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) work to ensure access to continuous insurance coverage for residents, through modified payment plans or some type of relief, during this crisis.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions worldwide and many restaurants and businesses have seen a steep drop in revenue, or have been ordered closed altogether to prevent the spread of the virus. This has led to significant job losses for our residents and families, many of whom may be unable to pay their insurance premiums as a result. However, as we expect COVID-19 cases to continue to rise, it is critical that we ensure everyone has access to health insurance that pays for COVID-19 testing, treatment, and other critical health services. Aside from health insurance, auto, home and renter’s insurance are also important to the economic stability and wellbeing for working families.
This resolution urges insurance carriers to provide continuous coverage to their policyholders during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as consideration of relief or modified payment plans if the policyholder cannot pay premiums due to financial hardship during this crisis. It further urges the Massachusetts Division of Insurance to issue guidance and requirements ensuring that insurance companies will not drop coverage for policyholders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During this crisis, many of our workers and families are experiencing the loss of their income or jobs, which may lead to financial hardship and the loss of essential insurance coverage,” said Councilor Flynn. “Losing insurance coverage will threaten the safety and economic security of our residents. I’m filing this resolution to urge insurance carriers to work with their policyholders and provide continuous coverage, perhaps through modified payment plans, to provide them peace of mind and economic security during these uncertain times. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this resolution adopted.”
For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 and Ed.Flynn@Boston.gov.
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