Department of Labor releases updated model notices

July 24, 2013

On July 18, the Department of Labor (DOL) released modifiable Microsoft Word versions of the model notices that can be used by employers to satisfy the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirement. The content of the notices has not changed. Instead this modified format is provided to assist employers in developing their notices. Employees must receive notice from their employers of their options under state and federally-facilitated Health Insurance Marketplaces.

The following modifiable notices are now available. You can view them here:

• Model notice for employers who offer a health plan to some or all employees
• Model notice for employers who do not offer a health plan

As indicated in the June 11 Reform Alert, Department of Labor releases update on employer notice to employees about the Marketplace, the ACA requires applicable employers to give each employee a written notice with information about the Marketplace. The notice must include how to request assistance, describe the availability of a premium tax credit and outline the implications for employees if they choose to purchase a qualified health plan on the Marketplace. The notice requirement was originally scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2013, but was delayed to coincide with the open enrollment period for the Marketplace, beginning October 1, 2013.

Where can I find more information?

More information can be found in the Technical Release.

The information in this document is based on preliminary review of the national health care reform legislation and is not intended to impart legal advice. The federal government continues to issue guidance on how the provisions of national health reform should be interpreted and applied. The impact of these reforms on individual situations may vary. This overview is intended as an educational tool only and does not replace a more rigorous review of the law’s applicability to individual circumstances and attendant legal counsel and should not be relied upon as legal or compliance advice. As required by US Treasury Regulations, we also inform you that any tax information contained in this communication is not intended to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer to avoid penalties under the Internal Revenue Code.