Benefits Forward

The DOL has updated its COBRA page to include an update to its FAQs on the COBRA premium reduction.

The DOL has released a Fact Sheet on maintaining COBRA coverage after the premium reduction ends.

The DOL has issued a proposed rule amending and restating its rules on obtaining prohibited transaction exemption relief.

The agencies issue a Model Notice which may be used to advise as to the external review decision regarding a claim under the Affordable Care Act.

The agencies release a Model Notice that can be used to advise of the denial of benefits under the Affordable Care Act.

The agencies have issued a Model Notice which may be used by plans when denying a claim after internal review under the claims and review requirements of the Affordable Care Act.

The IRS has issued a Voluntary Correction Program submission kit for those plans that missed the April 30, 2010 deadline for amending to comply with EGTRRA.

Technical Release 2010-01 provides interim guidance on the Federal external review process and for self-insured non-grandfathered plans not subject to State external review procedure.

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) has released the Pension Insurance Data Book 2009, which offers information on statistical trends related to defined benefit retirement plans in the private sector. The new edition features a detailed article on the smaller of the agency’s two pension insurance programs, which provides financial assistance to insolvent multiemployer pension plans.

IRS publishes the Summer 2010 edition of Retirement Plan News for Employers.