December 11, 2018
The DOL recently issued the 2018 version of Form M-1. As background, Form M-1 must be filed by multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs) and certain entities claiming exception (ECEs). The Form M-1 allows those entities to report that they complied with ERISA’s group health plan mandates.
While minimal changes to the Form M-1 have been made, this year’s Form M-1 instructions have been updated to reflect changes brought about by the final regulations on association health plans (AHPs). As a reminder, AHPs are MEWAs and, as a result, must file Form M-1 annually and following certain events. Thus, in an effort to provide additional guidance, the DOL has issued a list of Form M-1 filing tips for MEWA administrators. Here are some highlights:
The filing tips and additions to the instructions appear to indicate the DOL’s expectation of an increase in Form M-1 filings due to the final AHP regulations (see June 26, 2018 edition of Compliance Corner). Therefore, MEWAs (AHPs are MEWAs) should work with their advisor and service vendors to ensure compliance with ERISA and Form M-1 filing obligations.
2018 Form M-1 » M-1 Filing Tips for AHPs and Other MEWAs »