Department of Labor Releases a Revised CHIP Model Notice

Updated - Department of Labor Releases a Revised Children's Health Insurance Program Model Notice

The Department of Labor (DOL), through its Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), has released a revised model Employer CHIP Notice with information current as of January 31, 2024.

As a reminder, the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) imposes an annual notice requirement on employers that maintain group health plans in states that provide premium assistance subsidies under a Medicaid plan or a Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP).

An employer can choose to provide the notice on its own or concurrent with the furnishing of:

• Materials notifying the employee of health plan eligibility;
• Materials provided to the employee in connection with an open season or election process conducted under the plan; or
• The summary plan description (SPD).

Covered Employer Requirements

An employer is required to provide this notice if its group health plan covers participants who reside in a state that provides a premium assistance subsidy, regardless of the employer’s location.

Other FAQs and Requirements

• The DOL’s model notice, which employers may use for this disclosure, is updated periodically to reflect changes in the states that offer premium assistance subsidies.
• The DOL’s model Employer CHIP Notice includes information current as of January 31, 2024.
• Employers could choose to prepare their own notices or modify the model notice.
• Employers need to include at least the minimum relevant state contact information for any employee residing in a state with premium assistance.
• The notice must provide at least minimal information about how to contact the relevant state Medicaid or CHIP office.
• The notice can be provided in written form or electronically while following the DOL’s electronic disclosure rules.
• The notice is available on the EBSA’s website and can be downloaded in English and Spanish.

Other Resources

Information on the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (CHIPRA) 

InsureKidsNow.gov will provide information on each State's individual CHIP Program.

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