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Release Date: 12/17/2001
Release Number: 01-485
Contact Name: Gloria Della
Phone Number: 202.693.8666
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Washington, DC - The U. S. Department of
Labor’s Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration today released
guidance to help the employee benefit community comply with the benefit
claims regulation published last year for pension, health and disability
claims. |
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Assistant Secretary Ann L. Combs said, “Today’s
guidance is an important step in helping plans comply with the claims
regulation in a timely fashion. We hope this guidance will make compliance
less burdensome on the benefit community as it implements systems to
process benefit claims, while maintaining the regulation’s important
protections for workers and their families. We also expect to provide
additional guidance in the future designed to facilitate smoother
implementation of the benefit claim requirements, and welcome additional
questions from the regulated community.” |
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The claims regulation, published in the November 21,
2000 Federal Register, establishes new rules for processing group health
and disability benefit claims for plans governed by the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). The regulation sets new, shorter
time frames, additional disclosure requirements, and new standards for
making claims decisions. |
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The regulation applies to new pension and disability
claims filed on or after January 1, 2002, and applies to new group health
claims only for plan years beginning on or after July 1, 2002. The
regulation will be fully effective by January 1, 2003. |
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The new guidance, published as frequently asked
questions and answers, focuses primarily on compliance with the rules
governing the processing of group health and disability claims. |
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The new guidance can be obtained on the Internet at
www.dol.gov/pwba or by calling 1.800.998.7542 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. |
