Information provided by the United States Department of Labor www.dol.gov  

The United States Department of Labor has made available COBRA model notices which have been updated for the extension provisions of the 2010 Department of Defense Appropriations Act.  

The Department created model notices to help plans and individuals comply with the new requirements.  Each model notice is designed for a particular group of qualified beneficiaries and contains information to help satisfy ARRA's notice provisions including those added by the 2010 DOD Act.

Updated General Notice - Plans subject to the Federal COBRA provisions must provide the updated General Notice to all qualified beneficiaries (not just covered employees) who experienced a qualifying event at any time from September 1, 2008 through May 31, 2010, regardless of the type of qualifying event, and who have not yet been provided an election notice.  this model notice includes updated information on the premium reduction as well as information required in a COBRA election notice.

Premium Assistance Extension Notice - Plan administrators must provide notice to certain individuals who have already been provided a COBRA election notice that did not include information regarding ARRA, as amended. This model Premium Assistance Extension Notice includes information about the changes made to the premium reduction provisions of ARRA by the 2010 DOD Act. 

Updated Alternative Notice - Insurance issuers that provide group health coverage must send the updated Alternative Notice to persons who became eligible for continuation coverage under a State law.  Continuation coverage requirements vary among States and issuers should modify this model notice as necessary to conform it to the applicable State law.  Issuers may also find the model Premium Assistance Extension Notice or the updated model General Notice appropriate for use in certain situations.

Source: www.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRAmodelnotice.html

For more information, please contact Beimdiek Insurance (417)358-4007