CLIENT ALERT: DOL Provides Updated Model Notices To Reflect Changed COBRA Notification Requirements

The U.S. Department of Labor has released updated model notices incorporating changes to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act’s (“COBRA”) notification requirements as modified by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”) and the recently enacted 2010 Defense Appropriations Act (the “Act”).

The Department of Labor created these model notices to help plans and individuals comply with these new requirements with each model notice having been designed for a particular group of qualified beneficiaries.  Note that in some circumstances, an individual may be entitled to multiple notices.

The Department of Labor’s model notices and other publications regarding the Act’s impact on COBRA are available on the Department of Labor’s website at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRA.html.

For more information on the Act’s effect on COBRA and the ARRA, please see MBJ’s Client Alert entitled, “DOL Provides Clarification on the Stimulus Bill’s Effect on COBRA Subsidy Program Extended and Expanded Through Federal Legislation” dated December 23, 2010, or contact your MBJ attorney.

Sean P. O’Connor is an attorney with Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP and may be reached at    (617) 523-6666 or soconnor@morganbrown.com.  Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP focuses exclusively on representing employers in employment and labor matters.

This alert was prepared on January 15, 2010.

This publication, which may be considered advertising under the ethical rules of certain jurisdictions, should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances by Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP and its attorneys.  This newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and you should consult an attorney concerning any specific legal questions you may have.