DOL Releases Updated COBRA Notice For Recovery Act Extension

The DOL has released several model COBRA notices that employers may use when providing notices of the availability of premium reductions and additional election periods for health care continuation coverage.  The notices cover the March 2, 2010 premium assistance extension.

The DOL includes other model forms as well.  These are included in various packages the DOL has created to cover different situations.  The packages include the following disclosures:

• A summary of ARRA’s premium reduction provisions.
• A form to request the premium reduction.
• A form for plans (or issuers) that permit qualified beneficiaries to switch coverage options to use to satisfy ARRA’s requirement to give notice of this option.
• A form for an individual to use to satisfy ARRA’s requirement to notify the plan (or issuer) that the individual is eligible for other group health plan coverage or Medicare.