Updated CHIPRA Model Notice Available Online

Notice must be distributed to employees by December 31 each year.

Cooperatives in certain states must give the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) Notice to employees in the NRECA Medical Plan. Co-ops are responsible for preparing and distributing this notice by December 31 and throughout the year to new hires when they first enroll in health coverage.

If your co-op is in a state that offers insurance subsidies through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you must notify your employees of this option. The new version of the notice explains that employees who aren’t eligible for Medicaid or CHIP subsidies may still be able to purchase health insurance coverage through a state marketplace. The new model notice is on the Department of Labor’s website.

States requiring distribution of the CHIPRA Notice:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Delivery methods
You can give out printed copies of this notice. You also may be able to provide them electronically. Check BA Assistant on the Employee Benefits website to find out if you can use an electronic method. Go to Administration > BA Assistant > Your Tasks and Responsibilities > Using Electronic Methods to Distribute Group SPDs, SMMs and Other Disclosure Documents.

If you have questions, contact the benefits compliance team at 1.866.673.2299, option 7, or at group.compliance@nreca.coop.