Does anyone know the status of the COBRA notice regs that EBSA proposed last May? When first published, it seemed that EBSA had them on a fast track, but I don't recall seeing any discussion of the proposals for quite some time.

Thanks.

EBSA did not expect the volume of comments they received abou the proposed rule. So, they have delayed finalization until sometime in "early 2004." Then plans will have 6 months after the date the rule is finalized to comply. They may even give a longer period to comply. There's no saying exactly when it will be final, but probably sometime in 2004. You can refer to DOL media release 03-26 for the announcement of the delay. The release also states that plans may use the models now if they so choose, but are not required to. Since there will probably be some major changes, its probably best to wait.