"The new final rule extends [certain] timeframes to assist employers and employees in the process of maintaining employer-sponsored group health plan coverage.... [1] The HIPAA special enrollment period ... [2] The COBRA election period ... [3] The COBRA premium payment period ... [4] COBRA Notices from employees re divorce/legal separation, child reaching age 26, and disability ... [5] The plan's benefit claim filing deadline ... [6] The ERISA adverse benefit determination appeal deadline ... [7] The ERISA external review request deadline ... [8] The deadline to submit additional information related to external review request."  MORE >>