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Statement of Need: The existing SPD and related reporting and disclosure provisions need to be revised to reflect the changes made by HIPAA. HIPAA's statutory changes modify the requirements concerning the manner and timing of how certain important plan information is communicated to participants and beneficiaries by plan administrators. Without revised regulatory guidance, administrators may not be able to improve the timely disclosure of plan information on both a quantitative and qualitative basis. HIPAA also requires the Secretary to issue regulations within 180 days after its enactment providing alternative mechanisms to delivery by mail through which group health plans may notify participants and beneficiaries of material reductions in covered services or benefits.

Alternatives: Regulatory alternatives will be developed once determinations have been made with regard to the scope and nature of the regulatory guidance which will be necessary to carry out the new provisions.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Estimates of the anticipated costs and benefits of the regulatory actions found to be necessary to implement the new provision will be developed once decisions are reached on which specific actions are necessary.

Risks: The SPD is a critical plan document for participants and beneficiaries. Without access to accurate and timely information, participants and beneficiaries will not be able to protect their rights under ERISA. Improved disclosure requirements also should serve to facilitate compliance by plan administrators, thereby reducing litigation and penalty risks to plan administrators. The failure to issue revised disclosure regulations also may result in a failure to achieve HIPAA's objective of improving the disclosure of plan information.