News Release

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Release Date: February 8, 2007
Release Number: 07-207-CHI
Contact Name: Gloria Della/Peter Hong
Phone Number: 202.693.8664/202.693.4676

U.S. Department of Labor Offers Free Health Law Compliance Seminar March 7-8 in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio - A free health law compliance assistance seminar, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) and the Ohio Department of Insurance, will take place March 7-8, in Columbus at the Hyatt Regency Columbus, 350 North High Street.

The seminar is part of the Labor Department’s Health Benefits Education Campaign that helps workers and employers, especially small businesses, understand their rights and obligations under various health benefit laws. Sessions will cover the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) and other federal benefits laws under Part 7 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. Information also will be presented on fiduciary responsibility, COBRA, the Family and Medical Leave Act, health savings accounts and HIPAA privacy.

Seminar attendees will receive a copy of the booklet, “Health Benefits Coverage Under Federal Law,” and other material. The updated publication explains the health benefit laws administered by the Labor Department and adds a new chart identifying all the notices group health plans are required to provide to participants and beneficiaries. The booklet is available at EBSA’s Web site, www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/CAGtableofcontents.pdf, or by calling the agency’s toll-free number at 1.866.444.EBSA (3272).

Panelists will include representatives from EBSA, the Labor Department’s Employment Standards Administration, Ohio Department of Insurance, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, with only limited spaces available. Interested parties should register early by e-mail at educationcampaignseminars@dol.gov or by fax to 202.219.8141.

Visit EBSA’s Web site at www.dol.gov/ebsa for agenda and registration information or call Nancy Marchetti at 202.693.8684. Additional information about private-sector health or retirement plans can be found at EBSA’s Web site above.

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.