DOL released a new final rule that temporarily extends the period in which eligible employees can elect COBRA health insurance coverage, and the deadline for them to begin making COBRA premium payments. On May 4, the DOL and IRS jointly published Extension of Certain Timeframes for Employee Benefit Plans, Participants, and Beneficiaries Affected by the COVID-19 Outbreak<https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/05/04/2020-09399/extension-of-certain-timeframes-for-employee-benefit-plans-participants-and-beneficiaries-affected>. The final rule extends time frames affecting participants' rights to health care coverage, portability and continuation of group health plan coverage under COBRA, and it extends the time for plan participants to file benefit claims or appeal denied claims. Along with the rule, the DOL posted a new set of COVID-19 FAQ's for Participants and Beneficiaries<https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/EBSA/about-ebsa/our-activities/resource-center/faqs/covid-19.pdf>. The departments noted that employers, employees and dependents may have difficulty meeting standard time frames. The new final rule extends certain of those time frames to assist employers and employees in the process of maintaining employer-sponsored group health plan coverage. Notably, it doesn't extend the 14-day deadline for plan administrators to furnish COBRA election notices. Roberta "Robin" Cross Township Attorney The Woodlands Township 2801 Technology Forest Blvd. The Woodlands, Texas 77381 (281)210-3800 [cid:image001.png@01D6249C.81921160] rcross@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov<mailto:rcross@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov> DIRECT:281-210-3484 CELL: 832-791-6424 FAX: 281-210-3499 ________________________________________ CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information which is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient of this communication, you are notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of the communication is strictly prohibited. Sender requests a reply or notification by other immediate means of the mis-delivery. [cid:image002.png@01D6249C.81921160]