EBSA Releases 2004 Annual Form M-1

December 20, 2004 (PLANSPONSOR.com) -The US Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has released the 2004 Form M-1 annual report for multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs).

>MEWAs are arrangements that offer medical benefits to employees of more than one employer or to beneficiaries.  Instructions for the updated form are published in the  December 21 Federal Register .

>The agency has also announced that an online filing system is now available on its Web site. The filing date for 2004 is March 31; administrators can, however, request an automatic 60-day extension until May 1. The 2004 form has few changes from the previous year, according to a DoL news release.

>The online filing process (available at www.askebsa.dol.gov/mewa/ ) allows filers to complete and submit the form at no cost. The form can be completed in multiple sessions and can be printed. The site includes a user’s manual, FAQs, and a link to submit questions electronically. Technical assistance is available at 202 693-8360. Paper copies of the form are available at www.dol.gov/ebsa .

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