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Release Date: 09/17/2003
Release Number: 03-26
Contact Name: Gloria Della
Phone Number: 202.693.8664
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Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Labor’s
Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) today assured the
employee benefits community that the department will provide adequate time
for group health plans to comply with final rules on the notice
requirements of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
(COBRA). |
In
response to questions about complying with the department’s proposed
COBRA notice rules, Assistant Secretary of EBSA Ann L. Combs said, “The
department intends to give group health plans six months after adoption of
final rules to implement administrative changes required by the new rules.
Allowing sufficient time for orderly and efficient implementation of the
new requirements will help ensure compliance.” |
The
final rules are expected to be issued early next year, according to Combs.
“In the interim, plan administrators may use the model notices contained
in the proposed regulation to satisfy their COBRA notice obligations,
although they are not required to do so," said Combs. |
The
new COBRA notice requirements were proposed in the Federal Register on May
28, 2003. The model notices are available on EBSA’s web site at
www.dol.gov/ebsa. |
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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 202.693.7755. |
