New DOL Guidance on Notices to Employees
On May 8, 2013, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued guidance on notices employers must send out to all employees regarding coverage options under the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) new health insurance exchanges. Employers must provide this notice to all current employees before October 1, 2013.
The DOL provided two model notices--one for employers who offer a health plan to some or all of its employees, and one for employers who do not offer a health plan. The DOL model notices may be found here: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/healthreform/
Trust Funds and Unions may want to consider sending a letter to their members to coincide with the employer notice that assures the participants they already have excellent health benefits at a good value.
The DOL guidance included a new model COBRA election notice, which can also be accessed using the link above.
For more information about the employer notice of coverage options or the new COBRA election notice, please contact your Trust Fund counsel.
Author: Kristina M. Zinnen
