The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Health Insurance Trustees, as administrators of the Harness Horsemen’s Health Insurance Trust, have announced details regarding financial relief for all Harness Horsemen’s Health Insurance Plan participants.
As of the date of the first Order cancelling racing (March 20, 2020), each Self-Pay Plan participant will automatically receive a credit for two months of health insurance plan premiums at their existing coverage level.
For example, if a horseman has paid their April premium costs for family coverage, they will receive a credit for their May and June family coverage premiums. If the April family coverage premium has not been paid, the credit will apply to family coverage for their April and May premium costs. There is no need to do anything to receive the credit. It will automatically be applied to all self-pay coverage classes.
Note that if there are changes in coverage to a higher level of coverage (i.e. single to family coverage) during the credit time-period, the credit for the lower level of coverage will apply and the difference between the higher and lower premium cost will have to be paid.
In addition, during this time, existing Breeding Farm Employees and Racetrack Grooms that are employed and active in the plan, will continue to receive their premium costs covered. Separation for or from any covered employer will be handled as per the plan’s rules.
The Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association will provide updates regarding financial relief initiatives as they take place via ohha.com and social media outlets.
For immediate updates, please subscribe to the OHHA Emergency and Informational Text Blast system by texting “OHHA” to 1-888-808-1507.
(Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association)