Earlier this month, the United States Department of Labor (DOL)
issued two updated COBRA notices—a revised model general
COBRA notice and a new model COBRA election notice—and
proposed regulations that would allow the DOL to publish updated
model notices on its website. Thus, employers should consider using
these revised notices and monitor further notice updates. In
addition, the issuance of these new notices may serve as an impetus
for employers to review and update other documents that contain
COBRA notices or a discussion of COBRA rights.
Notices Reflect ACA Health Insurance Marketplace
These notices were revised to inform recipients that they may
choose to purchase medical coverage through the newly created
Health Insurance Marketplace, put in place through the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), instead of electing to
continue medical coverage through COBRA. Employers are not required
to use the model COBRA notices and may craft their own
