Questions about your benefits? Contact your HR administrator.

Employers

U.S. Department of Labor Investigations: Managing Evidence of Insurability (EOI) for Life Insurance Benefits

BAS’ MyEnroll360 can help employers manage the life insurance evidence of insurability process reducing potential penalties and legal challenges.

2 min read By BAS
HR professional looking at camera — open enrollment period readiness

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has launched an investigative initiative aimed at employer and insurance company practices concerning life insurance benefits requiring Evidence of Insurability (EOI). Instances of life insurance claims being denied due to unapproved EOIs have prompted this scrutiny. Employers and insurance companies failing to ensure EOI completion could potentially breach ERISA fiduciary duty, leading to penalties and legal consequences.

The Role of EOI

When employers offer employees life insurance beyond guaranteed issue (GI) limits, EOI becomes necessary to validate good health. However, discrepancies arise when premiums are deducted but EOIs are not submitted to the insurer. This situation leaves employees without the coverage they believe they have.

Mitigating Breach of Fiduciary Duty

BAS and MyEnroll360 offer a solution to help employers navigate the EOI process and avoid ERISA fiduciary breaches. By following best practices, employers can safeguard against penalties and potential lawsuits:

  • Configure EOI Rules: MyEnroll360 sets up EOI rules and GI limits for various enrollment scenarios.
  • Automated Approval: MyEnroll360 automates approval up to the GI amount and pending the rest until EOI approval.
  • Streamlined EOI Submission: MyEnroll360 facilitates EOI completion through online portals or mailed documentation.
  • Employee Engagement: MyEnroll360 sends EOI forms or links to employees for completion.
  • Approval Workflow: Employers act on carrier approvals or denials within MyEnroll360.
  • Data Reconciliation: BAS aids employers by reconciling insurer-provided data to confirm enrollments or rollbacks.

Secure Compliance with MyEnroll360

MyEnroll360 provides an integrated, secure solution to manage the EOI process, safeguarding against potential legal liabilities, penalties, and fiduciary duty breaches. Employers can trust BAS to ensure proper EOI completion and life insurance coverage alignment. For comprehensive assistance, reach out to your account manager or contact solutions@basusa.com.

Clients - to learn more contact your BAS account manager. Others - to learn more contact sales@basusa.com or 800.945.5513.

Benefit Allocation Systems (BAS) provides online solutions for: Employee Benefits Enrollment; COBRA; Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs); Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs); Leave of Absence Premium Billing (LOA); Affordable Care Act Record Keeping, Compliance & IRS Reporting (ACA); Group Insurance Premium Billing; Property & Casualty Premium Billing; and Payroll Integration.

MyEnroll360 integrates with major insurance carriers for enrollment eligibility management (e.g., Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna, United Health Care, Kaiser, CIGNA and others), and with leading payroll platforms for enrollment deduction management (e.g., Workday, ADP, Paylocity, PayCor, UKG, and others).

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, or benefits advice. Readers should not rely on this information for taking (or not taking) any action relating to employment, compliance, or benefits. Always consult with a qualified professional before making decisions based on this content.

Topics
Employers

Benefits Administration Updates

Receive Benefits Administration Updates from BAS

Practical compliance and administration guidance delivered directly to your inbox. Unsubscribe anytime.