As our country and the rest of the world is being reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, all businesses— including law firms—will be transformed forever. Though this situation continues to rapidly evolve, we know that its effects will last well beyond this pandemic. Certainly, companies will become more agile, adaptable and more proficient in the use of technology.

During this unprecedented time, it is more important than ever to understand your firm's employee benefits program and to educate your employees on the use of their benefits. Benefits impact not only an employee's physical health, but also their financial health and mental well-being. Here are some considerations and suggestions to contemplate in order to help your firm, and respective employees, navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the economic impact of COVID-19, employers may need to reduce employee hours, furlough employees, or undergo a reduction in force, but may want to continue to provide benefits to those employees. You can do so by seeking carrier approval to provide benefits continuation. Contact your broker or insurance carrier. For those employees who have been laid off, there are options. COBRA is available but can sometimes be the costliest choice. If their spouse is working and part of a group plan, COVID-19 may, depending on the carrier and the plan, qualify under a "qualifying life event" or mid-year election change. An employee could also go out to the "marketplace" as some may be entitled to a highly reduced rate for an individual plan depending on their household size and income. Finally, there is the choice of temporary coverage plans. These plans are meant to carry someone over until they get another policy through a new employer. Note that they are not qualified plans, so a subsidy would not apply for these policies—but they are available for 30, 60 90 or 180 days. Termed employees should seek the advice of an insurance agent to determine what is the best course of action for them.

Just as car insurance companies are lowering premiums to assist their clients through this difficult time, health insurance carriers are helping businesses by extending grace periods for group premium payments. Ask your carrier to extend your payment grace period from 30 to 60 days.

Telehealth is a powerful avenue in combating the pandemic and is also financially advantageous. Under the new legislation, Medicare beneficiaries now have expanded coverage to include the use of virtual visits. In addition, the government now allows telehealth providers the ability to service across state lines. We are also seeing a relaxing of the requirements applicable to prescribing controlled substances in a virtual setting. We encourage all firms to promote the use of telehealth, particularly during this environment.

Maintenance medications are an important part of continued good health and well-being. We recommend that you ask your doctor for a 90-day supply of those medications, which will generally be less expensive than a 30-day supply. We are also seeing that insurance companies are being more lenient when it comes to early refills.

None of us have a crystal ball to determine when our life will return to some semblance of normalcy, albeit a new post-coronavirus normal. This can have a major adverse effect on our finances. As part of the new legislation, employees can take distributions from their retirement plan accounts and these will not be subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty. The funds may be repaid to the plan over a three-year period.

Virtual is our new reality. Although some law firms have been more progressive than others on the "working from home" concept, this is the only way we can work. During this time communication and collaboration is critical. Feelings of anxiety and isolation are prevalent. So, your firm needs to create a virtual culture. This could include quick daily calls with associates, support staff and partners. Physical activity classes such as meditation, yoga, Zumba during lunch or after hours are well-received by employees. Consider other out of the box ideas—show off your pet on a Zoom call, happy hours after work, picture contests, etc. This virtual culture will help your firm continue to engage and support your employees.

Leading a team through a crisis is challenging but even more so when it is unprecedented. We are all learning together as there is no road map or guide. We need to learn to shift as an organization. We must evolve and let technology help us do so. You will find some great efficiencies from this experience.

Rachel Sapoznik is the founder, president and CEO of Sapoznik Insurance, an employee benefits agency, in North Miami Beach.