DOL Updates Model Employer CHIP Notice

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released a new model employer Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) notice with information that is current as of July 31, 2024.

The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) imposes an annual notice requirement on employers who maintain group health plans in states that provide premium assistance subsidies under a Medicaid plan or a CHIP plan.

An employer can choose to provide the notice on their own or concurrent with the furnishing of:

• Materials notifying the employee of health plan eligibility
• Open enrollment materials
• The summary plan description

An employer is subject to this annual notice requirement if their group health plan covers participants who reside in a state that provides a premium assistance subsidy, regardless of the employer’s location.

The DOL’s model notice, which employers may use for this disclosure, is updated periodically to reflect changes in the states that offer premium assistance subsidies. The DOL’s model employer CHIP notice includes information that is current as of July 31, 2024.

Employers could also choose to prepare their own notices or modify the model notice. Employers should be sure to include at least the minimum relevant state contact information for any employee residing in a state with premium assistance.

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