Today the Department of Labor released guidance and model notices for employers to use when informing employees of the availability of health insurance on the statewide exchange.

The notice requires employers to complete certain information regarding their health insurance coverage and eligibility requirements. The notice must be provided to each new employee at the time of hiring beginning October 1, 2013. For 2014, the notice will be considered provided at the time of hiring if it is provided within 14 days of an employee’s start date. The notice must also be provided to all current employees before October 1, 2013. The notice may be provided by first-class mail or electronically if the DOL’s electronic disclosure requirements are satisfied.

A copy of the guidance and model notices can be accessed at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/newsroom/tr13-02.html.