USA: New Disability Claims Procedures Take Effect in April 2018

Effective date April 2018

In late 2016, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued final regulations that extended certain ACA procedural safeguards to disability claims. These new rules affect plan sponsors, participants, beneficiaries, and individuals who administer or assist in providing coverage under disability programs.

The new rules were originally scheduled to take effect on 1/1/18, but in late 2017, the DOL announced a 90-day delay in the effective date in order to consider additional comments on the rules. Earlier this month, the DOL confirmed that the new rules will go into effect on April 2, 2018 (the 90-day delay ends 4/1/18).