March 9 2010 Model Notices for CHIPRA Program

2010 March 9th – Model Notices Attachment for CHIPRA Program

GREENBERG & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE

7327 S.W. Barnes Road, PMB 622 (503) 297-8078

Portland, OR 97225 (Fax) 297-8094

* * * IMPORTANT BULLETIN * * *

TO: ALL GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE CLIENTS

FROM: GREENBERG & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE

DATE: March 9, 2010

RE: Required Children’s Health Insurance Program Notices

On February 4th, the Department of Labor issued the required Model Notice for employers to use to inform employees of potential opportunities currently available within the state they reside for group health premium assistance under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) requires that employers who maintain a group health plan in a state that provides medical assistance under State Medicaid, or through the Children’s Health Insurance Program, make certain disclosures. Employers are required to provide the initial annual notice to their employees beginning with the first plan year that begins after the date on which the initial model notices are first issued (i.e. after February 4th, 2010). The DOL was required to provide the new Model CHIP Notice to employers to enable timely compliance with the law. The notices are required to provide information on how an employee may contact the State in which they reside for additional information regarding premium assistance, including how to apply for such assistance.

Attached you will find the Model Notice provided from the Department of Labor which can be used to meet this new employer obligation. Employers may provide the Employer CHIP Notice at the same time as health plan eligibility, at open enrollment, or when furnishing the Summary Plan Descriptions.

Sincerely,

Sharon Greenberg and Adrienne Hutchins