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Release Date: 07/06/2001
Release Number: 01-31
Contact Name: Gloria Della
Phone Number: 202.219.8921
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Washington, DC - Ann Combs, Assistant Secretary
of the U.S. Department of Labor's Pension and Welfare Benefits
Administration today announced an extension for the date on which group
health plans are to comply with the new claims procedure rules. |
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The notice extends for six months, but not more than
one year, the applicability date of the regulation for group health plans.
Under the notice, the compliance date for group health plans will change
from January 1, 2002, to the first day of the first plan year beginning on
or after July 1, 2002, but not later than January 1, 2003. |
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The notice does not change the compliance date for
pension plans, disability plans and other types of welfare benefit plans.
The notice is scheduled to appear in the July 9 Federal Register. |
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"The department is committed to ensuring that
participants and beneficiaries are afforded fair and timely reviews of the
benefit claims," said Combs. "This goal is unattainable,
however, without an orderly transition to new processes." |
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"The additional time afforded by today's extension
will permit plans and service providers to implement the new rules in a
cost-effective way, while enabling the department to provide further
guidance concerning the application of the new rules. The extension also
enables group health plans and the department to take into account changes
that might be required following enactment of Patients' Bill of Rights
legislation addressing the same claims processes covered by the
regulation," said Combs. |
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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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