BAC News

NOTICE: END OF TIME FRAME EXTENSIONS FOR CERTAIN GROUP HEALTH PLAN DEADLINES

On May 11, 2023, the National Emergency Declaration related to the COVID-19 pandemic ended. As your Health Plan’s third-party administrator, BAC wishes to advise you of the impact this may have on you as it relates to certain deadlines.

What is the National Emergency?

The National Emergency required an extension of certain deadlines for ERISA and many non-ERISA plans.

What is the extension?

The Department of Labor confirms that the extension period ends 60 days from the end of the National Emergency, which is July 10, 2023.

What deadlines are affected?

The deadline extensions apply to:
COBRA:

1. COBRA Election Period. The 60-day deadline for participants to elect COBRA.
2. COBRA Notice of Qualifying Event. The 30-day or 60-day deadline to notify the plan of a qualifying event.
3. COBRA Determination of Disability. The 60-day deadline to notify the plan of a determination of disability.
4. COBRA Payment Deadlines. The 45-day initial premium payment deadline and the 30-day subsequent premium payment deadline.

Please note: If you are eligible for, or enrolled in COBRA, the above extensions will end on July 11, 2023.  Any previous notices you received about deadline extensions are superseded by this notice.  If you wish to elect COBRA and you have not done so, or you elected COBRA and have not paid your premiums, your deadline to do so is fast approaching.

HIPAA Special Enrollments: The 30- or 31-day timeframe allowed for employees to apply for coverage due to marriage, birth, adoption, placement for adoption, and loss of other coverage.

Claims and Appeals:

1. Filing a claim;
2. Appealing a claim denial;
3. Requesting external review and filing information needed to complete/perfect an external review request.

What does this mean for you?

All extensions will end July 10, 2023, and all regular deadlines will resume July 11, 2023.

Questions?  Please call BAC member services at the number on your Health Plan ID card.