The COBRA Model Notices
from the Department of Labor are now
available.
ARRA mandates that plans notify certain
current and former participants and
beneficiaries about the premium reduction.
The DOL created model notices to help plans
and individuals comply with these
requirements. Each model notice is designed
for a particular group of qualified
beneficiaries and contains information to
help satisfy ARRA’s notice provisions.
General Notice (Full version) Plans
subject to the Federal COBRA provisions must
send the General Notice to all qualified
beneficiaries, not just covered employees,
who experienced a qualifying event at any
time from September 1, 2008 through December
31, 2009, regardless of the type of
qualifying event. This full version includes
information on the premium reduction as well
as information required in a COBRA election
notice.
General Notice (Abbreviated version) The
abbreviated version of the General Notice
includes the same information as the full
version regarding the availability of the
premium reduction and other rights under
ARRA, but does not include the COBRA
coverage election information. It may be
sent in lieu of the full version to
individuals who experienced a qualifying
event during on or after September 1, 2008,
have already elected COBRA coverage, and
still have it.
Alternative Notice Insurance issuers
that provide group health insurance coverage
must send the Alternative Notice to persons
who became eligible for continuation
coverage under a State law. Continuation
coverage requirements vary among States, and
issuers should modify this model notice as
necessary to conform it to the applicable
State law. Issuers may also find the model
Alternative Notice or the abbreviated model
General Notice appropriate for use in
certain situations.
Notice in Connection with Extended Election
Periods Plans subject to the Federal
COBRA provisions must send the Notice in
Connection with Extended Election Periods to
any assistance eligible individual (or any
individual who would be an assistance
eligible individual if a COBRA continuation
election were in effect) who:
1. Had a qualifying event at any time from
September 1, 2008 through February 16, 2009;
and
2. Either did not elect COBRA continuation
coverage, or who elected it but subsequently
discontinued COBRA.
This notice includes information on ARRA’s
additional election opportunity, as well as
premium reduction information. This notice
must be provided by April 18, 2009.
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