|
Release Date: 05/07/2003
Release Number: BOS 2003-087
Contact Name: Sharon Morrissey
Phone Number: 202.693.8664
|
Printer Friendly
Version
|
|
New York, New York - The U.S. Department of
Labor has obtained a court order requiring Heidi’s Enterprises, Inc. of
Watertown, New York to produce documents relating to an investigation of
the company’s employee health plan by the department’s Employee
Benefit Security Administration (EBSA). |
The court order, issued on April 29, 2003, requires the
company to furnish to EBSA’s Boston regional office documents involving
compliance with federal employee benefit law, including the Health
Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The company must
furnish records on corporate finances, fiduciary liability insurance and
bonding, health insurance contributions, certificates of coverage
evidencing the issuance of pre-existing condition exclusion period
notices, and notices of special enrollment rights. |
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
gives the Secretary of Labor authority to investigate alleged violations
of the federal law. EBSA issued an administrative subpoena to Heidi’s
Enterprises on December 21, 2001, but the company and its representatives
have not complied with the subpoena. |
“When companies do not respond to an administrative
subpoena, the department has no choice except to take them to court,"
said James Benages, director of EBSA’s Boston Regional Office. |
Employers and workers can contact the regional office
at 617.565.9600 or EBSA’s toll free number, 1.866.444.EBSA (3272), for
help with any problems relating to private-sector pension and health
plans. |
(Chao v. Heidi’s Enterprises, Inc.)
Civil Action No. 7:03 MC 0031 |
U.S. Department of Labor
news releases are accessible on the Internet. The information in this news
release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large
print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the Central Office for Assistive
Services and Technology. Please specify which news release when placing
your request. Call 202.693.7773 or TTY 202.693.7755. |
| |
|