The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), through its Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA), has released a new model Employer CHIP Notice with information current as of July 31, 2026.
KEY POINTS:
- Employers that maintain group health plans in states with premium assistance subsidies must provide their employees with an annual notice.
- The DOL has a model notice for employers to use.
- Employers could also choose to prepare their own notices or modify the model notice.
Background
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).
Furnishing Method
- 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 Employers
Employer Resources
The EBSA’s CHIPRA webpage includes the latest model notice (English language and Spanish language versions are available), a fact sheet, a compliance assistance guide and other publications for employers and advisers.
This article is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice. © 2026 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
