Model Notices
The Department of Labor has created model notices to help plans and individuals comply with the new premium reduction requirements of COBRA. Each model notice is designed for a particular group of qualified beneficiaries and contains information to help satisfy the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”) notice provisions.
General Notice: Full Version (13 pages)
Includes information on premium reduction as well as information required in the regular COBRA Election Notice.
- All Qualified Beneficiaries experiencing a Qualifying Event who have yet to elect COBRA.
General Notice: Abbreviated Version (8 pages)
Includes information on premium reduction.
- All Qualified Beneficiaries who have already elected COBRA coverage and still have it.
Alternative Notice (12 pages)
Insurance issuers must send this notice for continuation under state law.
- Small group state law based COBRA Qualified Beneficiaries.
Notice in Connection with Extended Election Periods (12 pages)
Information on ARRA’s additional election opportunity as well as premium reduction.
- COBRA eligible individuals who have undergone an involuntary termination. Qualifying Event occurred between September 1, 2008 and February 16, 2009, who either did not elect COBRA or elected it and stopped paying premiums.
For complete information and to download the model notices, go to the United States Department of Labor website and click on COBRA ARRA Model Notices.
Questions
If you have any questions concerning the content of this Legal Alert, please contact the following from our office, or the attorney with whom you normally consult.
Bruce Scheidt, Laura Izon Powell or David Tyra | 916.321.4500