Employers Must Distribute Notices to Employees by October 1, 2013

Each employee must receive written notice about a Health Insurance Exchange (Marketplace) no later than October 1, 2013, and to each new employee at the time of hiring beginning October 1, 2013.

For 2014, a notice will be considered "at the time of hiring" if it is provided within 14 days of an employee's start date

Employers must provide the notice to employees (automatically and free of charge) regardless of plan enrollment status (if applicable) or of part time or full time status.  According to Department of Labor (DOL), the notice may be provided by first class mail, or alternatively, electronically if certain requirements are met. Employers are not required to provide a separate notice to dependents or other individuals who are or may become eligible for coverage under the plan but who are not employees.

Model Notice to Employers Who Offer a Health Plan to Some or all Employees           http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/FLSAwithplans.pdf
Spanish version       http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/FLSAwithplanssp.pdf

Model Notice to Employers Who Do Not Offer a Health Plan                                             http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/FLSAwithoutplans.pdf
Spanish version       http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/FLSAwithoutplanssp.pdf

Please call if you would like more information.