On May 2, 2014, the Employee Benefits Security Administration of the Department of Labor (DOL) released proposed regulations, which contain changes to the existing COBRA notice requirements. These changes are intended to incorporate applicable provisions under the Affordable Care Act into the COBRA notice requirements. The proposed regulations provide updated versions of the model general notice and model election notice forms, which are available in modifiable, electronic form on the DOL’s website at dol.gov/ebsa/cobra.html. Employers should consider using the updated model notices (modified, as needed, to fit the employer’s particular situation) on a going-forward basis because the DOL will consider the use of the model notices to be good faith compliance with the notice content requirements under COBRA.
Continue Reading DOL and HHS Seek to Enhance Care Benefits Under COBRA