What is a COBRA packet?
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their group health plan for limited periods of time under certain circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss.
Do you have to offer Cobra to employees?
You do not have to offer COBRA coverage to any of the following: 1 an employee who is not yet eligible for your group health plan 2 an eligible employee who declined to participate in your group health plan 3 an individual who is enrolled for benefits under Medicare
What does Cobra stand for in federal law?
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) is a federal law that requires employers of 20 or more employees who offer health care benefits to offer the option of continuing this coverage to individuals who would otherwise lose their benefits due to termination of employment, reduction in hours or certain other events.
Is the Department of Labor issuing new Cobra notices?
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) today issued Frequently Asked Questions under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and revised COBRA model notices.
How long does a COBRA health plan last?
COBRA generally lasts for 18 months but, in some cases, can last up to 36 months. Under COBRA, group health plans must also provide covered employees and their families with certain notices explaining their COBRA rights. The revised model notices provide additional information to address COBRA’s interaction with Medicare.
What are the qualifying events for COBRA benefits?
In general, the COBRA qualifying event must be a termination of employment or a reduction of the covered employee’s employment hours. Second, the covered employee must be determined under title II or title XVI of the Social Security Act to be disabled.
When did cobra go into effect for employees?
Dear Employee, You and your eligible dependents may continue participation in the firm’s group medical and dental plans even though certain events occur which would otherwise cause loss of coverage. This continued coverage is provided by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), a federal law enacted on April 7, 1976.
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) today issued Frequently Asked Questions under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) and revised COBRA model notices.
How long does CoBrA period last for Medicare?
They go on to say that employees who qualify for Medicare benefits before the qualifying event can have their COBRA period last for 36 months. Always make sure to chat with your legal team to ensure you are following all local, state, and federal laws when dealing with a reduction event.