Benefits Forward

The DOL releases Technical Release 2011-03 providing interim guidance on the use of electronic disclosure under Labor Reg. Section 2550.404a-5, participant-level fee disclosures. Document Excerpt General. Disclosures required by section 2550.404a-5 that are not included in a pension benefit statement in accordance with section 2550.404a-5(e)(1) or (2) may not be furnished electronically under the guidance provided [...]

The Employee Benefits Security Administration has updated its COBRA, ARRA web page with FAQ 1 clarifying the end of COBRA, ARRA subsidy. Document Excerpt Q1: I’ve heard that the COBRA Premium Reduction (Subsidy) ends on August 31, 2011, is this true? Not necessarily, some individuals will still be eligible to receive the subsidy beyond August 31, [...]

The Departments release a completed Summary of Benefits and Coverage template. Document Excerpt Link http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/SBCtemplate.pdf

HHS releases proposd guidance on certain Exchange functions and determinations of eligibility. Document Excerpt This proposed rule would implement certain functions of the new Affordable Insurance Exchanges (‘‘Exchanges’’), consistent with title I of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, referred [...]

Along with the proposed regulations and the Fact Sheet, other subregulatory guidance regarding the Summary of  Benefits and Coverage is also made available at the HHS website. Link http://webapps.dol.gov/FederalRegister/HtmlDisplay.aspx?DocId=25259&AgencyId=8&DocumentType=1

A Summary of Coverage Fact Sheet is released along with the proposed regulations at the HHS website. Link http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/labels08172011a.html

The agencies have released proposed regulations and other information related to the Summary of Benefits and Coverage and Uniform Glossary as required by the Affordable Care Act. Document Excerpt This document contains proposed regulations regarding disclosure of thesummary of benefits and coverage and the uniform glossary for group health plans and health insurance coverage in [...]

Model notice for employers regarding premium assistance opportunities. Document Excerpt Link http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/chipmodelnotice.pdf

The agencies have issued an amendment to the rules governing coverage of preventive services. Document Excerpt This document contains amendments to the interim final regulations implementing the rules for group health plans and health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets under provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act regarding preventive health services. [...]

The agencies have released the text of the correcting amendment to the internal review and appeal and external review claims regulations. Document Excerpt Link http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-07-26/pdf/2011-18820.pdf