Hello I volunteer and teach english to adults. I am planning on doing a lesson on how to fill out a health care enrollment form. I am trying to think of a fun way to start off my engaging the students. Since the only prop I have is the health care enrollment form I cant think of anyway to engage the students. Any ideas would be appreciated
Comments
I like to start off a potentially difficult but necessary topic with a brainstorming or storytelling activity. For example, I might ask students if they've ever completed a form to apply for something and, depending on the level, write words or sentences using the students' names to record their information and experience. I would guide them into medical form terminology and make visible as much as they know. Or I might put up the first sentence of a story: "Mike (our stuffed mascot) went to the doctor on Thursday. . . " and elicit prior knowledge in story form. Then, when we segue to the form, we note and check off the items already mentioned and tackle what's new. Another idea is to write a story myself and give it to the class as a listening exercise. I announce the topic and setting and read it once, and then ask students to tell me what they could identify from what they heard. Words and phrases go on the board. I read it through at least 2 more times, adding to what's on the board. Then I write the entire thing and we read it together, ask/answer questions, do as dictation, any number of things. Forms are good for information gap activities also. I find student engagement in these types of activities is very strong.
I like all of Deborah’s suggested activities. They get the students engaged with the form and they provide practice with listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
I would do one more activity and I would do it first. I would build background on the topic of accessing health care in the United States by asking the students what their previous experience with accessing and paying for health care – in the US or where they lived before coming here – has been. Some students may have paid for health care at time of service, with or without filling out forms. Some may have received health care simply for living or working in a country and may not have had to fill forms or pay at time of service. Some may have practiced more traditional (less western?) medicine. And some may have had little or no access to health care in any shape or form.
In 2002, a health care expert and ESL instructor (and member of this CoP!), Kate Singleton, wrote an article on challenges for adult English language learners related to health care issues. The digest, Health Literacy and Adult English Language Learners, suggests classroom strategies and activities to help students build their English skills, their cultural competence around health care in the United States, and their knowledge about how to access the health care services they and their families need. The digest can be downloaded at http://www.cal.org/caela/esl_resources/digests/healthlit.html. The topic of filling out forms is not addressed in this article however.
I scanned the LINCS resource collection to see if filling out forms is included in any of the health literacy and adult English language learner resources. I found the Queens Library Health Literacy Curriculum for ESOL Learners (2010). It predates the Affordable Care Act, of course, but there are some activities in this resource that involve reading and filling out health forms. The curriculum is reviewed at http://lincs.ed.gov/professional-development/resource-collections/profile-328 and can be downloaded at http://www.queenslibrary.org/services/health-info/english-for-your-health/teacher-beginner-level
This certainly is a timely topic for discussion! What else is out there to help practitioners help adult English language learners with this topic?
Miriam
Are you teaching 1:1 or a class?
Brilliant suggestions and resources, Miriam! Thank you so much.
Before sharing a form, as a warm-up, have you thought of asking them what questions they think a medical form should include?
Name of the patient-
Sex-
How old is the patient-
Registerd Numbe-
Adress of the Patien or Gardient-
Time & Date of Admission-
What is the main complaine-
Past Histry of Ilnesses-
Who is reference Doctor-
Hi Jannette,
I don't know of a particular lesson on filling out a health care enrollment form, but these health literacy resources may be useful:
The NYC Mayor's Office of Adult Education (MOAE) produced some helpful health literacy resources. These resources are better suited towards helping teachers understand the importance of health literacy (rather than providing lesson plan ideas): http://www.nyc.gov/html/adulted/html/get_involved/health.shtml
MOAE and City University of New York produced the "We Are New York" (WANY) television series that has some episodes on health literacy. WANY episodes can be viewed online or downloaded and include downloadable learning resources. Though the episodes highlight NYC services, the English learning component can apply to anyone: http://www.nyc.gov/html/adulted/html/get_involved/health.shtml
Hope these help.
Paul
Thank you all for all your help!
I love Miriam's idea of discussing students' experiences with medical services in the US! I recently taught a similar lesson and found that the students had confusing experiences they wanted to talk about and a whole lot of questions about how things work. People were particularly concerned about whether or not there was a cost associated with calling an ambulance. If you have access to News for You, the October 16 issue has a timely and informative article about the Affordable Care Act.
United States Department of Labor
All DOL EBSA Advanced Search A to Z | Site Map | FAQs | Forms | About DOL | Contact Us | EspañolEmployee Benefits Security AdministrationWas this page helpful? DOL > EBSA > Compliance AssistanceTechnical GuidanceExemptions
Interpretations
- Advisory Opinions
- Field Assistance Bulletins
- Information Letters
- Technical Releases
Laws And Regulations- Statutes (United States Code)
- Executive Orders
- Code of Federal Regulations
- Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations
- Federal Register Documents
- Amicus Briefs Under ERISA
Quick Links- Subscribe to this Page
- DOL Compliance Assistance Links
- Summary of Major DOL Laws
- Compliance Tools
- Consumer Information
- Employment Law Guide
Compliance AssistanceThe Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is a federal law that sets minimum standards for retirement and health benefit plans in private industry. ERISA does not require any employer to establish a plan. It only requires that those who establish plans must meet certain minimum standards.
ERISA covers retirement, health and other welfare benefit plans (e.g., life, disability and apprenticeship plans). Among other things, ERISA provides that those individuals who manage plans (and other fiduciaries) must meet certain standards of conduct. The law also contains detailed provisions for reporting to the government and disclosure to participants. There also are provisions aimed at assuring that plan funds are protected and that participants who qualify receive their benefits.
ERISA has also been expanded to include new health laws. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) amended ERISA to provide for the continuation of health care coverage for employees and their beneficiaries (for a limited period of time) if certain events would otherwise result in a reduction in benefits. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) amended ERISA to make health care coverage more portable and secure for employees.
EBSA's compliance assistance information will assist employers and employee benefit plan officials in understanding and complying with the requirements of ERISA as it applies to the administration of employee retirement, health and other welfare benefit plans.
For Apprenticeship and Training Plans
For Health Plans
Affordable Care Act Regulations and Guidance
In ACA Regulations and GuidanceApplicability to HRAs, Health FSAs, and Certain other Employer Healthcare Arrangements
Notice to Employees of Coverage Options
Ninety-Day Waiting Period Limitation
Wellness Programs
Stop Loss Insurance
ACA Implementation Frequently Asked Questions
- Part I - This set of FAQs addresses implementation topics including compliance, grandfathered health plans, claims, internal appeals and external review, dependent coverage of children, out-of-network emergency services, and highly compensated employees.
- Part II - This set of FAQs addresses grandfathered health plans, dental and vision benefits, rescissions, preventive health services, and ACA effective date for individual health insurance policies.
- Part III - This set of FAQs addresses the exemption for group health plans with less than two current employees.
- Part IV - This set of FAQs addresses grandfathered health plans.
- Part V - This set of FAQs addresses a variety of ACA implementation topics, the HIPAA nondiscrimination and wellness program rules, and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.
- Part VI - This set of FAQs addresses grandfathered health plans.
- Part VII - This set of FAQs addresses the Summary of Benefits and Coverage and Uniform Glossary requirements of PHS Act §2715 and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.
- Part VIII* - This set of FAQs addresses the Summary of Benefits and Coverage requirements of PHS Act §2715.
- Part IX* - This set of FAQs addresses the Summary of Benefits and Coverage requirements of PHS Act §2715.
- Part X* - This FAQ addresses the Summary of Benefits and Coverage requirements of PHS Act §2715.
- Part XI** - This set of FAQs addresses the employer notice of coverage options, health reimbursement arrangements, disclosure of information related to firearms, employer group waiver plans supplementing Medicare Part D, fixed indemnity insurance and payment of PCORI fees. Related information: CMS Bulletin on Non-Medicare Supplemental Drug Benefits. (**Note: See Technical Release 2013-03 for comprehensive guidance addressing health reimbursement arrangements that was issued after the date of these FAQs.)
- Part XII - This set of FAQs addresses limitations on cost-sharing under the ACA.
- Part XIII - This set of FAQs addresses expatriate health plans.
- Part XIV - This set of FAQs addresses the Summary of Benefits and Coverage requirements of PHS Act §2715 (* Note: Some of the guidance in FAQs Parts VIII, IX, and X has been superseded by guidance contained in FAQs Part XIV.)
- Part XV - This set of FAQs addresses annual limit waiver expiration date based on a change to a plan or policy year, provider non-discrimination, coverage for individuals participating in approved clinical trials and transparency reporting.
- Part XVI - This set of FAQs addresses the employer notice of coverage options and the 90-day waiting period limitation.
Upcoming Seminar Locations- Nothing scheduled at this time
Previous Seminar LocationsAlbany NYAlbuquerque NM
Anchorage AK
Annapolis MD
Arlington VA
Atlanta GA
Austin TX
Baton Rouge LA
Billings MT
Birmingham AL
Boise ID
Burlington VT
Camp Hill PA
Carlisle PA
Casper WY
Chandler AZ
Charleston WV
Chicago IL
Cincinnati OH
Columbia SC
Columbus OH
Concord NHDenver CO
Dover DE
DesMoines IA
Durham NC
Fargo ND
Harrisburg PA
Hartford CT
Helena MT
Indianapolis IN
Jackson MS
Lansing MI
Las Vegas NV
Little Rock AR
Los Angeles CA
Louisville KY
Madison WI
Manchester NH
Mesa AZ
Minneapolis MN
Nashville TN
New Orleans LA
New York NY
Newark NJ
Oklahoma City OKOmaha NE
Orlando FL
Overland Park KS
Pierre SD
Plantation FL
Portland ME
Portland OR
Raleigh NC
Richmond VA
Rutland City VT
Salem OR
Salt Lake City UT
San Antonio TX
San Diego CA
Savannah GA
Seattle WA
Shreveport LA
St. Louis MO
Tallahassee FL
Troy NY
Tulsa OK
Warwick RI
Washington DC
Coverage of Preventive Services
Automatic Enrollment, Employer Shared Responsibility, and Waiting Periods
Summary of Benefits and Coverage and Uniform Glossary
Regulations and Guidance
Templates, Instructions, and Related Materials
Essential Health Benefits
Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements
Medical Loss Ratio
Internal Claims and Appeals and External Review
Regulations
Guidance
Other Information
Public Forum on Automatic Enrollment in Large Employer Health Plans
Value-Based Insurance Design in Connection with Preventive Care Benefits
Grandfathered Health Plans
Preexisting Condition Exclusions, Lifetime and Annual Limits, Rescissions, and Patient Protections
Extension of Coverage For Adult Children
Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for Small Employers
Affordable Care Act Nondiscrimination Provisions Applicable to Insured Group Health Plans
Early Retiree Reinsurance Program
Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan Program
COBRA
HIPAA
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008
Children's Health Insurance Program
Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements
Claims Procedure
- Group Health and Disability Plans Benefit Claims Procedure Regulation – A booklet on the rules that apply to group health and disability benefit claims
- Claims Procedure Final Rule – Final regulations revising the minimum requirements for benefit claims procedures of employee benefit plans covered by Title I of the ERISA
Back to TopFor Retirement Plans
Fiduciary Requirements for Disclosure in Participant-Directed Individual Account Plans
Service Provider Disclosures Under Section 408(b)(2)
Lifetime Income Illustration
- Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
- Fact Sheet
- Calculator
- Joint Income Lifetime Hearing Notice
- Hearing Transcript: September 14, 2010 | September 15, 2010
- Written testimony
- Request For Information
- Request For Information Comments
- Lifetime Income Literature Review: Designing Better Pension Benefits Statements
- Proposed Information Collection Request - Survey Regarding Pension Benefit Statements
- Proposed Information Collection Request Comments
Back to TopFor 401(k) Plans
Fiduciary Requirements for Disclosure in Participant-Directed Individual Account Plans
Service Provider Disclosures Under Section 408(b)(2)
Lifetime Income Illustration
- Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
- Fact Sheet
- Calculator
- Joint Income Lifetime Hearing Notice
- Hearing Transcript: September 14, 2010 | September 15, 2010
- Written testimony
- Request For Information
- Request For Information Comments
- Lifetime Income Literature Review: Designing Better Pension Benefits Statements
- Proposed Information Collection Request - Survey Regarding Pension Benefit Statements
- Proposed Information Collection Request Comments
Back to TopReporting And Filing
2009 Form 5500 Revision
Final Rule On Electronic Filing
General Reporting And Filing Compliance Assistance
- 2009 Form 5500 Schedule C FAQs - The purpose of these FAQs is to provide guidance to plan administrators and service providers on complying with the requirements of the 2009 Form 5500 Schedule C
- Supplemental FAQs About The 2009 Schedule C - Provide further guidance in response to additional questions from plans and service providers on the requirements for reporting service provider fees and other compensation on the Schedule C
- Information letter on whether, in the context of a collectively bargained multiemployer plan, plan expenses paid by a contributing employer and not reimbursed by the plan are required to be reported on the Schedule C (Service Provider Information) of the Form 5500 Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan (Form 5500).
- PBGC guidance on Reporting PBGC Premium Payments Made from Plan Assets on Schedule H
- PBGC Guidance on Schedule R Instructions to Line 14 (Form 5500)
- Reporting and Coverage for 403(b) Plans
- Reporting Delinquent Participant Contributions on the Form 5500 – FAQs that provide guidance to plan administrators and accountants on complying with the requirements of the Form 5500 for reporting delinquent participant contributions
- EFAST2 Form 5500 and Form 5500-SF Filing Tips – Practical, common sense tips for some of the most frequently occurring Form 5500 filing problems
- Reporting And Disclosure Guide For Employee Benefit Plans – A quick reference tool for certain basic reporting and disclosure requirements under ERISA
- FAQs On The Small Pension Plan Audit Waiver Regulation – Questions on how to determine whether a small plan has met the conditions for the audit waiver requirements under the amended regulation
- EFAST2 Automated 5500 Forms Processing – Information about the computerized system that streamlines filing and processing of Form 5500
- Form 5500 Version Selection Tool - With the change to an all electronic filing system and changes to the Form 5500 as well, you may have questions about what to file for plan years prior to the current year or how to amend prior year filings. This tool will help you to determine which version of the Form 5500 and which schedules you should use.
- Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program (DFVCP) – Description of a program that reduces the monetary penalties for employee benefit plan administrators to encourage voluntary compliance
- Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program FAQs – FAQs that explain the program that is designed to encourage voluntary compliance with the annual reporting requirements under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
- Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program Penalty Calculator and Online Payment - The calculator is provided to aid in the filing process and to reduce the number of over and under payments made to the DFVCP. While use of the calculator is not required, it is highly recommended to ensure compliance with the program's requirements. Penalties computed using the calculator can then be paid online
- Selecting An Auditor For Your Employee Benefit Plan - Federal law requires employee benefit plans with 100 or more participants to have an audit as part of their obligation to file the Form 5500. This booklet will assist plan administrators in selecting an auditor and reviewing the audit work and report
- ERISA Reporting Forms 5500/5500 EZ – The Form 5500 Series is part of ERISA's reporting and disclosure framework, which is intended to assure that employee benefit plans are operated and managed in accordance with prescribed standards
- Troubleshooters Guide to Filing the ERISA Annual Report
Back to TopGeneral Fiduciary Compliance Assistance
Service Provider Disclosures Under Section 408(b)(2):
Fiduciary Requirements for Disclosure in Participant-Directed Individual Account Plans:
- Guidance On Fiduciary Duties In Response To Recent Events Involving The Madoff Investment Firm - Guidance for fiduciaries, investment managers and other investment service providers to plans who believe they may have exposure to losses on investments with entities related to the Madoff firm. The guidance also provides steps that can be taken to assess and protect the interests of plans, participants and beneficiaries under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
- Meeting Your Fiduciary Responsibilities – To meet their responsibilities as plan sponsors, employers need to understand some basic rules, specifically the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). ERISA sets standards of conduct for those who manage an employee benefit plan and its assets (called fiduciaries). This publication provides an overview of the basic fiduciary responsibilities applicable to retirement plans under the law
- Understanding Retirement Plan Fees And Expenses – This booklet will help retirement plan sponsors better understand and evaluate their plan's fees and expenses. While the focus is on fees and expenses involved with 401(k) plans, many of the principles discussed in the booklet also will have application to all types of retirement plans
- 401(k) Plan Fee Disclosure Tool – A form developed by banking, insurance and mutual fund trade groups to provide employers with a way to collect and compare investment fees and administrative costs of competing providers of plan services, now available in MS Word format. This form was not developed by the Department and was not designed to ensure compliance with the Department's regulations on service provider fee disclosure to plans or plan fee disclosure to 401(k) plan participants and beneficiaries.
- Selecting An Auditor For Your Employee Benefit Plan – Federal law requires employee benefit plans with 100 or more participants to have an audit as part of their obligation to file the Form 5500. This booklet will assist plan administrators in selecting an auditor and reviewing the audit work and report
- Reporting and Disclosure Guide for Employee Benefit Plans – This guide is intended to be used as a quick reference tool for certain basic reporting and disclosure requirements under ERISA
- ERISA Advisory Opinions – The policies, regulations, opinions, and interpretation regarding the fiduciary, reporting, disclosure, and coverage provisions of ERISA
- ERISA Procedure 76-1: Filing Requests for Advisory Opinions/Information Letters – This ERISA procedure describes the general procedures of the department in issuing information letters and advisory opinions under the Act
- Class Exemptions – A class exemption is an administrative "blanket" exemption, which permits a person to engage in a similar transaction or a series of similar transactions with plan in accordance with the terms and conditions of the class exemption, without requiring the person to obtain an individual exemption
- EXPRO Exemptions – PTE 96-62 currently requires that applicants demonstrate that their proposed transactions are substantially similar to transactions in at least two exemptions previously granted by the department within five years of their submission
- Individual Exemptions – An individual exemption is an administrative exemption, which applies only to the specific person named or otherwise defined in the exemption, and allows such person to engage in a variety of transactions that would be otherwise prohibited
- Exemption Procedures Under Federal Pension Law – This booklet provides information to employers, plan administrators and employee benefit practitioners about the basic requirements and procedures needed to apply for exemptions from the prohibited transaction rules of ERISA
- Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program (VFCP) – A voluntary compliance program intended to protect the financial security of workers through the identification and correction of transactions that violate Part 4 of Title I of ERISA
- Strategic Enforcement Plan (STEP) – Explains the general framework through which EBSA's enforcement resources may be focused to achieve the agency's policy and operational objectives
- The Enforcement Manual – A manual providing detailed information on procedures used by the EBSA Office of Enforcement in its investigative programs
Back to TopFor Small Employers
- Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for Small Employers - Are you a small business or tax-exempt organization that pays at least half the cost of single health insurance coverage for your employees? If so, you may qualify for a new tax credit part of the Affordable Care Act.
- Automatic Enrollment 401(k) Plans - This booklet provides an overview of automatic enrollment 401(k) plans, which can increase plan participation and make it easier for employers to withhold employee contributions and select investments for those contributions.
- www.Choosingaretirementsolution.org - U.S. Department of Labor and AICPA developed this interactive Website on small business retirement options.
- Choosing A Retirement Solution for Your Small Business – A pamphlet describing the retirement savings options available to small businesses.
- The Choosing a Retirement Solution for Your Small Business video helps small employers and accountants understand the various options for providing a retirement program through four real-life experiences.
- RealPlayer™: High Bandwidth • Medium Bandwidth • Low Bandwidth
- Windows Media Player®: High Bandwidth • Medium Bandwidth • Low Bandwidth
- 401(k) Plans For Small Businesses – This booklet highlights some of a 401(k) plan's advantages, some of the options and responsibilities of an employer operating a 401(k), and the differences among the types of 401(k) plans.
- Payroll Deduction IRAs For Small Businesses – Want to help your employees save for retirement but don’t want the responsibility of an employee benefit plan? Think about a payroll deduction IRA program.
- Profit Sharing Plans for Small Businesses - A powerful tool in promoting financial security in retirement and a valuable option for businesses considering a retirement plan, providing benefits to employees and their employers.
- SEP Retirement Plans for Small Businesses – A booklet describing an easy low-cost retirement plan option for employers.
- SIMPLE IRA Plans for Small Businesses – A booklet describing an affordable way to offer retirement benefits through the SIMPLE Plan.
- Small Business Retirement Savings Advisor – This elaws Advisor provides answers to a variety of questions about retirement savings options for small business employers and determines which program is most appropriate for a business.
Back to TopVoluntary Correction Programs
Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program
The Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program (VFCP) encourages voluntary compliance by self-correcting violations of the law. The program also helps plan officials understand the law and gives immediate relief from payment of excise taxes under a class exemption.
Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program
The Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program (DFVCP) encourages voluntary compliance with ERISAs annual reporting requirements and gives delinquent plan administrators a way to avoid higher civil penalty assessments by satisfying the program’s requirements and voluntarily paying a reduced penalty.
Effective March 29, 2011, the address for the Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program (DFVCP) lockbox changed to: DFVC DOL, PO Box 71361, Philadelphia, PA 19176-1361. Do not send by express mail. There is no overnight delivery address. Note that submissions to the DFVCP also can be done electronically.
- Technical Updates to Delinquent Filer Voluntary Compliance Program Federal Register Notice
- Form 5500 Version Selection Tool
- Penalty Calculator & Online Payment
- Fact Sheet
- FAQs
- Federal Register Final Rule
Back to TopAbandoned Plan Program
The Abandoned Plan Program facilitates the termination of, and distribution of benefits from, individual account pension plans that have been abandoned by their sponsoring employers. The program was established pursuant to three final regulations and a related class exemption and is administered by EBSA national and regional offices.
Contact EBSA
About EBSA
FAQs
Consumer Information
Laws & Regulations
Technical Guidance
Compliance Assistance
- Abandoned Plans
- Apprenticeship Plans
- Correction Programs
- Fiduciary Education
- For Health Plans
- For Retirement Plans
- For Small Employers
- Reporting and Filing
- 403(b) Plans
- Webcasts
Freedom of Information Act | Privacy & Security Statement | Disclaimers | Important Web Site Notices | Plug-ins Used by DOLU.S. Department of Labor | Frances Perkins Building, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210www.dol.gov | Telephone: 1-866-444-EBSA (3272) | TTY | Contact Us