What is a “COBRA” Eligible Plan Anyway… Typically, when you think of plans eligible for COBRA continuation, you think of medical, dental and vision plans. While these are the most common they are not the only plans that are COBRA eligible. COBRA rules state that if a plan is legally defined as a group health plan, […]
Headcounts Matter
However, there are a few exceptions. Federal government plans and certain church plans are not subject to COBRA. Small employers are also exempt, but one needs to be careful when determining its size.
Can you guess the two most common COBRA questions?
As a COBRA third party administrator, two of the most common questions we hear are “What is COBRA” and “Why is it so expensive?”
Are FSA’s a COBRA eligible benefit?
FSAs are a COBRA eligible benefit. By definition health FSAs are a Group Health Plan and regulations require COBRA to be offered to benefits categorized as a group health plan. However, the obligation to offer COBRA depends on a number of factors.
The COBRA Initial Notice – Are You Compliant?
Did you know that one of the most important COBRA notices is the “initial notice” or what is referred to as the “general rights notice”? Properly providing this notice is frequently overlooked by employers or the method of delivery does not meet COBRA compliance regulations.
The $84,385.17 postage stamp…don’t let it happen to you.
Considering an $84,385.17 potential fine for one missed mailing, are you sure you mailed all your COBRA notices? Perhaps it is worth double checking. And the most important question of all, do you have records to prove your notices were mailed?
Important Considerations for COBRA Subsidies
An Employer’s risk could potentially increase when an Employer puts itself between the insurance company/stop-loss provider and the former employee particularly in a case where a premium is not paid on a timely basis.
Is COBRA Still Relevant Under the ACA?
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) changed a lot of things about the health insurance market in the United States. Among them: It granted some more options to those who had pre-existing conditions but who lost their access to a workplace plan because of job loss, layoff, benefit reduction or divorce.
COBRA Election Compliance Timelines
Administering COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) can be both complex and confusing for employers. There are many deadlines and getting COBRA deadlines wrong can have significant legal consequences. COBRA, not unlike many employment laws, provides grace periods that favor the (former) employee.
A quick COBRA self-audit – The who, what, when, where and how. Can your organization pass?
Can your organization pass a COBRA self-audit? Sometimes COBRA can fall to the bottom of the priority list. If you’re like most HR professionals, you’re juggling a gaggle of other projects and issues – enrollment deadlines, compensation issues, staff development and many more. While COBRA compliance may not seem like a top priority, ignoring it […]
