The Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service jointly issued a rule which applies retroactively to the President’s National Proclamation of Emergency on March 1, 2020 as a result of COVID-19. The “Joint Rule” extends certain timeframes for health insurers, their plan participants, qualified beneficiaries, and claimants. HMAA will adhere to the timeframe extensions as applicable, and will continue to monitor the situation closely and implement necessary measures.
The period between March 1, 2020 and 60 days after the National Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 ends, or such other date announced in a future notice, is referred to as the “
Outbreak Period.
” Certain timeframes are extended by disregarding (excluding) the Outbreak Period in calculating deadlines for special enrollments, COBRA elections and payments, claim submissions, and appeals.
Please note the end of the National Emergency has not been announced, so the actual end of the Outbreak Period has not yet been determined. Please consult with your legal or other advisor for more information about the Joint Rule.
