by Marti Cardi, Esq. - Senior Compliance Consultant and Legal Counsel
& Gail Cohen, Esq. - Assistant General Counsel,
October 10, 2017
It’s a moving target, but we’re watching! The amended ERISA disability claims handling rules (the “Final Rule”) are set to go into effect for claims filed on or after January 1, 2018. But, as we previously reported, the US Department of Labor announced in July that it is “reviewing these amendments for questions of law and policy.” Today the DOL issued a Proposed Rule that will be published in the Federal Register on October 12, 2017. You can read an advance copy of the Proposed Rule here.
The DOL proposes to delay the effective date of the ERISA disability claims handling rules by 90 days, to April 1, 2018 (some irony there). The reason for the delay is to allow the DOL time to “solicit additional public input and examine regulatory alternatives” to the Final Rule. Here are some important dates:
- Comments on the proposal to extend the applicability date for 90 days must be submitted to the Department
on or before October 27, 2017 (15 days after publication of the Proposed Rule in the Federal Register) - Comments providing data and otherwise germane to the examination of the merits of rescinding, modifying,
or retaining the rule must be submitted to the Department on or before December 11, 2017
(60 days after publication of the Proposed Rule in the Federal Register)
We will provide immediate updates of any new developments on our blog, http://matrix-radar.com/ – please sign up!
For a refresher on the changes to the ERISA disability claims handling requirements, as set forth in the Final Rule, review our prior blog post http://matrix-radar.com/2017/01/a-game-changer-dol-releases-new-erisa-disability-claims-rules/.
What is Matrix Doing? At Matrix we have been working diligently to prepare for the new rules. Regardless of the outcome of the DOL review, Matrix will be ready to administer our clients’ disability plans in compliance with the new regulations by January 1, 2018, or other new effective date. To this end, we have assembled a task force of experts in disability plans, claims handling procedures, ERISA, and customer service. Our practice leaders and account managers will be in touch with clients during the lead-up to the effective date – whenever it is! – to discuss changes to plan notifications, procedures, and more. If you have questions in the meantime, contact your account manager or sales representative, or send us an email at ping@matrixcos.com.