Compliance January 13, 2012

EBSA Publishes 2011 Form M-1 for MEWAs

January 13, 2012 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration released the 2011 Form M-1 annual report for multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs).
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MEWA administrators may use EBSA’s online filing system to expedite processing of the form. The 2011 form is very similar to the previous year’s form, with a few changes to reflect new laws that became effective in 2011.  

A MEWA is an arrangement that offers welfare benefits (such as medical, accident, or disability benefits), to the employees of two or more employers or to their beneficiaries. MEWAs that offer medical benefits are required to file the Form M-1. The filing deadline for the 2011 Form M-1 is March 1, 2012. However, MEWA administrators can request an automatic 60-day extension until May 1, 2012.   

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The online filing system is available on EBSA’s website at http://www.askebsa.dol.gov/mewa. The system gives filers the flexibility to complete the form in multiple sessions, print a copy for their records and submit it at no cost. The website includes a user manual, frequently asked questions and a link to submit questions electronically.
 
Technical assistance for the online filing system is available by calling 202-693-8600. Information about the form and how to fill it out is available online or by calling 202-693-8360. Paper copies of the form are available at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa by clicking on “Forms & Filing Instructions” on the right side of the screen.

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