The Department created model notices to help plans and individuals comply with these requirements. Each model notice is designed for a particular group of qualified beneficiaries and contains information to help satisfy ARRA's notice provisions, including those added by TEA.

General Notice (Full version) Plans subject to the Federal COBRA provisions must provide the updated General Notice to all qualified beneficiaries (not just covered employees) who experienced a qualifying event at any time from September 1, 2008 through March 31, 2010, regardless of the type of qualifying event, and who have not yet been provided an election notice. This model notice includes updated information on the premium reduction as well as information required in a COBRA election notice.

Note: Individuals who experienced a qualifying event (that was a termination of employment) on or after March 1, 2010 may not have been provided proper notice. These individuals should get the updated General Notice and the full 60 days from the date the updated notice is provided to make a COBRA election.

General Notice (Abbreviated version) The abbreviated version of the General Notice includes the same information as the full version regarding the availability of the premium reduction and other rights under ARRA, but does not include the COBRA coverage election information. It may be sent in lieu of the full version to individuals who experienced a qualifying event during on or after September 1, 2008, have already elected COBRA coverage, and still have it.

Alternative Notice Insurance issuers that offer group health insurance coverage that is subject to comparable continuation coverage requirements imposed by State law must provide the Alternative Notice to all qualified beneficiaries, not just covered employees, who have experienced a qualifying event through March 31, 2010. However, because continuation coverage requirements vary among States it should be further modified to reflect the requirements of the applicable State law. Issuers of group health insurance coverage subject to this notice requirement should feel free to use the model Alternative Notice, the model Notice of New Election Period, the model Supplemental Information Notice, the model Notice of Extended Election Period, or the model General Notice (as appropriate).

Notice in Connection with Extended Election Periods Plans that are subject to continuation coverage provisions under Federal or State law must provide, before the end of the required time period for providing a COBRA election notice, the Notice of Extended Election Period to all individuals who:

• experienced a qualifying event that was a termination of employment at some time on or after March 1, 2010;

• were provided notice that did not inform them of their rights under ARRA, as amended by TEA; and

• either chose not to elect COBRA continuation coverage at that time or elected COBRA but subsequently discontinued that coverage.