DOL Finalized COBRA Regs

Dfox

On May 26, 2004, the DOL published final rules implementing new notice reuqirements for COBRA. How will you be handling the new requirements? Will you send all current ees a copy of the new required notification even if you had already notified them with your own version of a notification? Help!

Sunny

The way I understand it, you just use the new notices going forward. They really are just another (supposedly clearer) way of saying the same thing: (COBRA) you are eligible for COBRA on ____date; the COBRA will cost _____; your coverage or (HIPPA) If you lose your coverage you will be eligible for COBRA. I simply downloaded the new notices and made the appropriate changes for use from now on.

DB

Can you provide the link to download? I searched the DOL website and only found the old forms, etc. Thank you.

awilliams

The new COBRA regulations change the notice requirements regarding COBRA continuation coverage. You can find the final regulations on the DOL website at: [url]http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/regs/fedreg/final/2004011796.htm[/url]. You can also find a new model notice on the DOL site at: [url]http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/compliance_assistance.html#section2[/url].

The regulations are "effective" July 26, 2004, however, they do not have to be implemented for most plans until the first day of the first plan year beginning on or after May 26, 2004 - which means January 2005 for calendar year plans.

We are offering an audio conference on the COBRA regulations on July 8, 2004. For information on how to register for this audio conference, go to: [url]http://www.hrhero.com/audio/cobra.shtml[/url]

In addition, subscribers to Benefits and Compensation Law Alert will receive a detailed article on the new regs in their July issue. For information on how to subscribe to Benefits and Compensation Law Alert, go to: [url]http://www.hrhero.com/bcla.shtml[/url]

Anne Williams
Attorney Editor
M. Lee Smith Publishers, LLC

irenesmsaclaims

Actually, I believe it's an effective date of July 26, 2004 for the final COBRA rules, but plans would have to comply on the first day of a plan year beginning after November 26, 2004, which would be January 1, 2005 for calendar year plan years. Correct me if I'm wrong.