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Release Date: December 17, 2008
Release Number: 08-1837-NAT
Contact Name: Gloria Della/Richard Manning
Phone Number: 202.693.8664/202.693.4676

U.S. Labor Department publishes 2008 Form M-1 for multiple employer welfare arrangements
Online filing available to plan administrators

Washington – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) today announced the availability of the 2008 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 generally are arrangements that offer medical benefits to the employees of two or more employers or to their beneficiaries. The annual filing date for the 2008 Form M-1 is March 2, 2009. However, administrators can request an automatic 60-day extension to May 1, 2009. The 2008 form is virtually identical to last year’s form.

The online filing system is available on EBSA’s Web site at www.askebsa.dol.gov/mewa. It allows a filer the flexibility to complete the form in multiple sessions, print a copy for his or her records, and submit it at no cost. 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 of using technology to make it easier for citizens and businesses to interact with the government.

Technical assistance for the online filing system is 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 are available at www.dol.gov/ebsa (click on Forms and Filing) or by calling EBSA toll-free at 866.444.3272. The notice will be published in the Federal Register on December 18, 2008.

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 (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202.693.7828 or TTY 202.693.7755. The Labor Department 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.