Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.

News Release

New Labor Department Web Site Can Help Millions Find Valuable Information On Health Benefits

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) today announced the launch of a new interactive Web site that will serve as a resource to help employees and their families make informed decisions about their health benefits when facing life and work changes.

Assistant Secretary of Labor Ann L. Combs called the Web site, "an outstanding resource for the 131 million Americans and their families who rely on coverage from private-sector group health plans. It will be especially helpful when unanticipated events happen."

The Web site gives consumers information about:

  • Health coverage under private plans and federal and state programs
  • Definitions of key terms
  • Links to other resources, including public health plans and state insurance offices nationwide.

The new Web site, which can be found at elaws Health Benefits Advisor, asks employees questions, guiding them through easy-to-use helpful tools and facts about health benefits. Visitors to the site will learn the specific requirements and rights under laws like the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). More importantly, the Web site allows the public to obtain information about their rights and responsibilities under a group health plan upon the occurrence of specific life and work changes -- including marriage, childbirth, death, divorce, job loss, new job, or retirement.

EBSA is an agency within the Labor Department that oversees nearly 2.6 million health benefit plans nationwide. As part of its ongoing Health Benefits Education Campaign, the agency conducts education and outreach about health benefit issues in order to explain the rights and responsibilities associated with coverage by a group health plan. Other free publications under the campaign are available on EBSA's Web site or by calling toll-free 1.866.444.EBSA (3272).

This Employment Law Advisor is one of a series of elaws advisors (Employment Laws Assistance for Workers and Small Businesses), which are interactive e-tools that help individuals understand federal employment laws, such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

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.

Printer Friendly Version

Archived News Release — Caution: Information may be out of date.

Agency
Employee Benefits Security Administration
Date
July 21, 2003
Release Number
03-391