News Release

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Release Date: October 5, 2006
Release Number: 06-1730-NAT
Contact Name: Gloria Della/Peter Hong
Phone Number: 202.693.8664/202.693.4676

U.S. Labor Department Launches Interactive Web site to Help Employers Comply with Health Benefit Laws

Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) today announced the launch of a new interactive Web site to serve as a resource for employers in complying with the various federal health benefit laws. The Health Benefits Advisor is designed to help employers and other plan officials understand their responsibilities in operating group health plans.

Ann L. Combs, assistant secretary of labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), called the Web site an important resource for the employer community. “This Web site will help employers ensure they are in compliance with the laws governing private-sector group health plans that cover an estimated 134 million Americans and their families,” she said.

The Health Benefits Advisor, at www.dol.gov/elaws/ebsa/health, provides information on the:

• Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

• Newborns’ and Mothers’ Health Protection Act

• Mental Health Parity Act

• Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act.

The new Web site guides employers through easy-to-use windows containing helpful tools and facts about health benefit laws. The Web site is part of EBSA’s compliance assistance program that will now be available to nearly 2.5 million health benefit plans nationwide. Other free publications on health benefits also are available on EBSA’s Web site or by calling its toll-free number at 1.866.444.3272 (EBSA).

U.S. Department of Labor news releases are accessible on the Department's Newsroom page. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202.693.7765 or TTY 202.693.7755. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit the Department's Compliance Assistance page.