12/2/99: DOL Advisory Opinion 99-14A sheds some light on one aspect of COBRA notice rules.(U.S. Department of Labor). Excerpt:ERISA § 606(a)(4) gives each qualified beneficiary a separate right to receive a written Election Notice upon the occurrence of a qualifying event permitting him or her to exercise COBRA continuation rights. This requirement may, in some cases, be met by mailing one Election Notice where more than one qualified beneficiary resides at the same address. Where, at the time of the notification, the last known addresses of the covered employee, his or her spouse, and dependent children (if any) are the same, the Department will consider a single first class mailing addressed to the covered employee, his or her spouse, and dependent children (if any) to be good faith compliance with the Election Notice requirements of ERISA § 606(a)(4) in the absence of regulations provided that a separate election notice for each qualified beneficiary is included in the single mailing or, if a single notice is sent, it clearly identifies the qualified beneficiaries covered by the notice and clearly explains the separate and independent right each has to elect COBRA continuation coverage. (Emphasis added - Editor)
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