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 17 locations throughout the United States and in Mexico, including Los Angeles, Orange County, Palo Alto 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.
