September 2012 Employee Benefits Update

Article by Employee Benefits Practice Group.

SELECT COMPLIANCE DEADLINES AND REMINDERS

Medicare Part D Deadlines

All group health plans that offer prescription drug coverage to Medicare-eligible employees (under either an active plan or retiree plan) must provide an annual creditable coverage disclosure notice to Medicare-eligible participants and dependents no later than October 15, 2012. Group health plans must also provide notices to each new participant who may be Medicare eligible.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides a model notice that can be accessed through the CMS website. Plan sponsors should review the model notice to ensure that it accurately reflects the nature of the coverage and the rights that individuals have if they lose coverage.