Kibble & Prentice Insider

COBRA Subsidy Revised Model Notices

The DOL recently posted revised COBRA model notices and an updated fact sheet incorporating the changes made by the Temporary Extension Act of 2010. This is the legislation that extended the COBRA subsidy through March 31, 2010 and allowed AEI status to individuals who experienced a reduction in hours from September 1, 2008 through March 31, 2010 and subsequently were involuntarily terminated between March 2, 2010 and March 31, 2010. Read full alert for more details.

Form 5500 Electronic Filing – Obtaining Signer Credentials

For plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2009, the Form 5500 must be filed electronically through the EFAST2 system. Prior to filing the Form 5500 electronically, all plan signers will need to obtain EFAST2 signer credentials. This summary outlines the credentialing process in detail.

CHIPRA Notice Now Available

On February 4, 2009, President Obama signed the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA - Pub. L. 111-3). The Departments of Labor (DOL) and Health and Human Services (HHS) developed a model notice for employers to use to inform employees of potential opportunities available for group health plan premium assistance under state Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Full Details

Mandatory CMS Reporting Requirement and HRAs

Section 111 of the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (MMSEA) added a new mandatory reporting requirement for group health plans, liability insurance, no-fault insurance and worker’s compensation. For group health plans, the law requires Responsible Reporting Entities (RREs) to provide information to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to better coordinate payer responsibilities between the group health plan and Medicare. Full Article