866.404.7637 benefits@ffinsbr.com

The Obama administration announced updates to model notices informing workers of their eligibility to continue health-care coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act [COBRA]. The updates make it clear to workers that if they are eligible for COBRA continuation coverage when leaving a job, they may choose to instead purchase coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury are also publishing frequently asked questions related to the proposed changes to model notices. The FAQs are posted on the Department of Labor website and the HHS website. In addition, HHS is publishing a clarifying bulletin regarding a special enrollment period in the Marketplace for individuals already enrolled in COBRA continuation coverage. The bulletin is posted on the HHS website.

The updated model notices are posted on the Department of Labor website at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/modelgeneralnotice.doc and http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/modelelectionnotice.doc.

A related notice of proposed rulemaking on the COBRA notice requirements will be published in the May 7 edition of the Federal Register. The notice of proposed rulemaking can also be viewed here.

Read the news release here.

Be sure to check out the Benefits Notices Calendar in your online HR library for information on other federal notices required to be provided, and to download additional model notices available for employers and group health plans.

To access your online HR library, please visit www.HR360.com/login. Our clients receive complimentary access to HR360. If you need help with your username/password please email us here.