Most employers will be required to provide a written notification to employees in regards to the ability to access coverage through the new Health Insurance Marketplaces, also known as the exchanges. Even employers that don't provide coverage to their employees will be required to provide this written notification.

Employers were originally supposed to provide this notice to employees by March 1, 2013, but there was uncertainty about what to include in the notification. Regulators decided to postpone this notification requirement as a result.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has now released model template notices that can be used by employers. Employers must provide this notice to existing employees by October 1, 2013.

The DOL has published some general information about the notification requirements.

View DOL general guidance about the model notices >>

New hires must be provided the notice within 14 days of their start date beginning October 1, 2013 as well. COBRA election notices will also have to be modified to include new language about the exchanges.

View model notice for employers offering coverage >>

View model notice for employers not offering coverage >>

View model notice for COBRA election >>

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Note: The materials contained within are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal or tax advice.