Publication
SW Benefits Update – Notices, Notices, Notices – Group Health Plans and COVID-19 Notice Fatigue
COVID-19 relief for group health plan participants only makes a difference if the participants know that relief is available and understand how to take advantage of it. As group health plans sort through the various COVID-19 relief laws and related guidance, it is important for plans to stay on top of the various notice obligations.
This newsletter highlights some pandemic-related notice requirements that group health plans may be facing in 2021, including: (1) notices regarding free COVID-19 testing and vaccine coverage requirements; (2) notices regarding COBRA, HIPAA special enrollment, and ERISA claims and appeals deadline extensions; (3) COBRA notices required by the American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”); and (4) notices required for optional cafeteria plan changes under the Consolidated Appropriations Act (the “CAA”), as clarified by IRS Notice 2021-15.
About Snell & Wilmer
Founded in 1938, Snell & Wilmer is a full-service business law firm with more than 500 attorneys practicing in 16 locations throughout the United States and in Mexico, including Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego, California; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Denver, Colorado; Washington, D.C.; Boise, Idaho; Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Portland, Oregon; Dallas, Texas; Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle, Washington; and Los Cabos, Mexico. The firm represents clients ranging from large, publicly traded corporations to small businesses, individuals and entrepreneurs. For more information, visit swlaw.com.
