Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of Labor's
Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) will publish in the
December
9, 2005, Federal Register the 2005 Form M-1 annual report for multiple
employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs). Plan administrators may use EBSA's
online filing system to expedite processing of the form.
MEWAs are arrangements that offer medical benefits to
the employees of two or more employers or to their beneficiaries. The annual
filing date for the 2005 Form M-1 is March 1, 2006. In addition, administrators
can request an automatic 60-day extension to May 1, 2006. The 2005 form has
few changes from the previous year.
The online filing system is available on EBSA's Web site.
It allows filers to complete the form and submit it at no cost. The online
form can be completed in multiple sessions and can be printed for the filer's
records. The Web site includes a user manual, frequently asked questions and
a link to submit questions electronically. Online filing is an example of
President Bush's E-Government initiative to use technology to make it easier
for citizens and businesses to interact with the government.
To use the online filing process, go to www.askebsa.dol.gov/mewa/.
Technical assistance for the online filing system is also available by calling
202.693.8600. Information about the Form M-1 and how to fill it out is
available on the Web site or by calling 202.693.8360. Paper copies of the
form may be obtained by calling EBSA's toll free number at
1.866.444.EBSA (3272)
or visiting the Web site at www.dol.gov/ebsa and clicking on Forms/Doc Requests.
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