| Issue: # 43 |
February 23, 2010 |
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*****************Client Alert*****************
Children's Health Insurance Program Act (CHIP Program)
Massachusetts Data Security Law (MGL Chapter 93H)
There are two programs you may or may not be aware of that merit your attention.
- The CHIP Program is highlighted below. Basically it requires disclosure to employees of this federal law. It is your responsibility to provide written notice annually.
- The Massachusetts Data Security Law is another new State requirement. This starts March 1st and we will have more details to you this week with a special notice email.
One last reminder on the HIRD/Fair Share Filing - The deadline was February 15th. If you missed the filing deadline read below for instructions.
As always, if you have any questions email Bill or Vanessa. We hope you find these newsletters helpful, please forward to anyone who may find this of interest. To learn more about Advantage Benefits click here.
Sincerely,
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| Children's Health Insurance Program Act
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| On February 4, 2009, the Children's Health Insurance Program Act of 2009 was signed into law. It expands the federal laws governing Children's Health Insurance Program (know as CHIP program). Individuals must request special enrollment from their employer no later than 60 days after either:
- The date the individual becomes eligible for premium assistance through the state Medicaid or CHIP program
- When they lose coverage under the state Medicaid or CHIP program.
Employers are required to provide written notice to employees of their rights under these new provisions. The Department of Labor has issued a model notice, click here . We are advising clients to pass out the notice now and make this an annual process similar to the waiver forms below.
The government is trying to move people off Medicaid (MassHealth) and shift them to employer sponsored plans, while providing premium assistance. If your employees have questions immediately refer them to the telephone number listed in the Department of Labor notice for Massachusetts (800-462-1120). It is not your responsibility to determine if an employee qualifies for assistance.
The second part of this Program is that plan sponsors (The Employer) must also provide disclosure information, upon request, to the states when a plan participant or beneficiary is covered under the company's group health plan and Medicaid or CHIP. Compliance with this obligation is not required until after the Department of Health and Human Services develops a model disclosure form. The forms will be developed by August 4, 2010.
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| HIRD Filing
Deadline was Feb 15th |
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The deadline for this filing was 2-15, if you neglected to file you should still complete the process. Remember this only applies to employers with 11 or more full-time employees or full time equivalents which include part timers. We have not encountered anyone who has failed testing and incurred a penalty. To access the on-line filing click here
On-line filings and other paperwork at your renewal time can be very labor intensive. Although we know many of you have employees sign waivers when applicable, technically, this should be done annually.
You may want to incorporate a new system to make sure both the Annual waivers and the new CHIP Program Sample Notice are distributed to employees at every renewal period.
Contact us and we will explain what you need to do. | |
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