By the end of December, all employees and retirees participating in a U-M health plan subject to COBRA will receive a mailing at their home addresses covering new rules issued by the U.S. Department of Labor concerning notification requirements for continuation of coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) of 1985. COBRA is a temporary extension of group health plan benefits under certain circumstances (e.g., loss of employment) when coverage might otherwise end.

The new rules take effect on January 1, 2005, and U.S. employers with health plans subject to COBRA are required to notify plan members of the new requirements and procedures.

Plan participants should familiarize themselves with these new rules, but no action is needed and no changes to coverage are being made – the mailing is a required informational notice.

If you have questions after receiving the mailing, please call the HR/Payroll Service Center at 734-615-2000 (local) or 866-647-7657 (toll-free). Note: The Service Center will be closed beginning December 24 and reopening on January 3.

Letter from the Benefits Office