How should COBRA notices be mailed?
Employers should send notices by first-class mail, obtain a certificate of mailing from the post office, and keep a log of letters sent. Certified mailing should be avoided, as a returned receipt with no delivery acceptance signature proves the participant did not receive the required notice.
How long does it take for a Cobra notice to be mailed?
The plan administrator has 14 days from the date of notification to mail a COBRA notice and election form. Generally, a terminated employee and/or any of his affected dependents have 60 days from the date coverage is lost or the date the written COBRA notice is given, whichever is later.
How long does it take to elect Cobra coverage?
Qualified beneficiaries must be given an election period of at least 60 days during which each qualified beneficiary may choose whether to elect COBRA coverage. This period is measured from the later of the date of the qualifying event or the date the COBRA election notice is provided.
When do I have to pay for COBRA continuation?
A group health plan cannot require payment for any period of COBRA continuation coverage earlier than 45 days after the day on which the qualified beneficiary made the initial election for continuation coverage.
When does Cobra coverage expire after qualifying event?
This period is measured from the later of the date of the qualifying event or the date the COBRA election notice is provided. COBRA coverage is retroactive if elected and paid for by the qualified beneficiary.
When do you have to pay for Cobra?
Your first payment must cover the cost of COBRA coverage from the time your coverage under the Plan would have otherwise terminated up through the end of the month before the month in which you make your first payment. (For example, Sue’s employment terminates on September 30, and she loses coverage on September 30.
What happens to Cobra after the premium assistance period?
• You reach the end of your maximum COBRA continuation coverage period. If you continue your COBRA . continuation . coverage after the premium assistance period, you may have to pay the full amount of the premium otherwise due. Failure to do so may result in your loss of COBRA continuation coverage. Contact your plan administrator, employer
What happens if I don’t notify my Cobra plan?
An individual who fails to notify the health plan providing COBRA coverage and continues to receive the COBRA premium subsidy after they are eligible for other group health coverage or Medicare may be subject to a penalty under IRC § 6720C.
When do you need continuation coverage for Cobra?
COBRA requires group health plans to offer continuation coverage to covered employees, former employees, spouses, former spouses, and dependent children when group health coverage would otherwise be lost due to certain events.