Final Disability Claims Rules 

Final Department of Labor (DOL) rules require ERISA plans processing disability claims to treat coverage rescissions like benefit denials, impose more detailed denial notices written in a "culturally and linguistically appropriate manner," and expand claimants' response and litigation rights. The new rules generally apply for claims filed on or after Jan. 1, 2018, but transitional notice requirements apply for claims filed from Jan. 18, 2017 -- the final regulations' effective date -- through Dec. 31, 2017. While the new administration or Congress might delay, change, or even try to overturn the disability regulations, employers should still plan their next steps as the rules may remain intact.