View Rule

View EO 12866 Meetings Printer-Friendly Version     Download RIN Data in XML
DOL/EBSA RIN: 1210-AB34 Publication ID: Fall 2009 
Title: ●Health Care Arrangements Established by State and Local Governments for Non-Governmental Employees 
Abstract: Department of Labor regulation 29 C.F.R. 2510.3-1 clarifies the definition of the terms “employee welfare benefit plan” and “welfare plan” for purposes of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) by identifying certain practices which do not constitute employee welfare benefit plans. This rulemaking would amend that regulation to clarify the circumstances under which health care arrangements established or maintained by state or local governments for the benefit of non-governmental employees do not constitute an employee welfare benefit plan for purposes of section 3(1) of ERISA and 29 CFR 2510.3-1. 
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: Undetermined  Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined 
CFR Citation: 29 CFR 2510.3-1   
Legal Authority: 29 USC 1135    ERISA sec 505   
Legal Deadline:  None

Statement of Need: Questions have been raised regarding the extent to which health care reform efforts on the part of state and local governments result in the creation of ERISA-covered employee welfare benefit plans or otherwise implicate ERISA. This regulation is needed to provide certainty to both governmental bodies and employers concerning the application of ERISA to such efforts.

Summary of the Legal Basis: Section 505 of ERISA provides that the Secretary may prescribe such regulations as she finds necessary and appropriate to carry out the provisions of title I of the Act. Regulation 29 CFR 2510.3-1 clarifies definitions of the terms “employee welfare benefit plan” and “welfare plan” for purposes of title I of ERISA.

Alternatives: Alternatives will be considered following a determination of the scope and nature of the regulatory guidance needed by the public.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: Preliminary estimates of the anticipated costs and benefits will be developed, as appropriate, following a determination regarding the alternatives to be considered.

Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  09/00/2010    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: Undetermined 
Federalism: Undetermined 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: Yes 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Jeffrey J. Turner
Deputy Director, Office of Regulations and Interpretations
Department of Labor
Employee Benefits Security Administration
N 5669, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, FP Building, Room N-5655,
Washington, DC 20210
Phone:202 693-8500