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Release Date: 05/29/2002
Release Number: 02-13
Contact Name: Rita Ford
Phone Number: 202.693.8671
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Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Pension and Welfare
Benefits Administration today released additional guidance that clarifies the
scope of the claims procedure regulation. |
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PWBA Assistant Secretary Ann L. Combs said, “Today’s guidance is part of
our continuing commitment to facilitate compliance with the new claims procedure
regulation.” |
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This guidance supplements the set of “Frequently Asked Questions”
on the claims procedure regulation released by the department on December 15, 2001.
The new guidance addresses issues involving the application of the regulation to
prescription drug programs, arbitration of non-benefits claims, and “top
hat” plans. The guidance also clarifies the application of the
“exhaustion of administrative remedies” doctrine when a plan fails to
establish or follow a claims procedure consistent with the regulation. |
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The claims procedure rules published in the November 21, 2001, Federal Register
apply to pension and disability benefit claims filed on or after January 1, 2002.
Group health plans become subject to the rules as of the first day of the plan
year beginning on or after July 1, 2002, but not later than January 1, 2003. The new guidance can be obtained on the
PWBA Web site
or by calling PWBA's Toll-Free
Employee & Employer Hotline number: 1.866.275.7922 to obtain free printed copies. |
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U.S. Department of Labor
news releases are accessible on the Internet. The information in this news
release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large
print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the Central Office for Assistive
Services and Technology. Please specify which news release when placing
your request. Call 202.693.7773 or TTY 202.693.7775. |
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