Site Provides Better Understanding of Health Laws

SITE HELPS EMPLOYERS WITH HEALTH BENEFITS COMPLIANCE

The U.S. Labor Department rolled out a new Web site that might help employers better understand federal health benefit laws. The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) operates the new, interactive Web site, titled Health Benefit Advisor. www.dol.gov/elaws/ebsa/health/.

Private-sector employers can obtain guidance about operating their group health plans. The site provides benefit professionals with an overview of certain federal laws, such as COBRA, HIPAA, the Newborns’ and Mothers' Health Protection Act, the Mental Health Parity Act and the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, all of which affect health insurance.

“This Web site will help employers ensure they are in compliance with the laws governing private-sector group health plans that cover an estimated 134 million Americans and their families,” says Ann Combs, assistant secretary of labor at EBSA.

Employees can also visit the site to learn more about their rights and options pertaining to health coverage provided by a private-sector employer. The online resource also offers general advice to workers undergoing life changes, such as marriage, childbirth, job loss and retirement. However, the site does not offer information on an employee’s specific plan or health plans provided by federal, state or local governments and churches.