DoL Releases Updated COBRA Model Notices
The Temporary Extension Act extended eligibility for the 65%, 15-month premium subsidy to those involuntarily terminated from March 1 through March 31and modified the definition of assistance-eligible individuals to include individuals who were involuntarily terminated after first losing health coverage related to having their hours of work reduced (see Obama Signs COBRA Subsidy Extension).
The DoL said it updated two of its existing models and developed several new models to cover various situations faced by dislocated workers and their families. The Department provides:
- An updated model general notice;
- A model new election period notice;
- A model extended election period notice;
- A model supplemental information notice; and
- An updated model alternative notice.
The model notice packages are available for download from EBSA’s dedicated COBRA Web page at http://www.dol.gov/cobra. The page also contains an updated fact sheet to help dislocated workers, their families and employers understand the requirements.
A notice announcing the model notices will appear in the March 22 edition of the Federal Register.
The U.S. House recently approved legislation that would extend the subsidy to workers involuntarily terminated through April (see House Passes another COBRA Subsidy Extension). The U.S. Senate passed a measure that would extend the eligibility period through the end of the year (see Senate Passes COBRA Subsidy Extension).« Aon to Acquire Actuarial Division of J.P. Morgan Retirement