COBRA covers employees regardless of whether they quit or are terminated (except in cases of gross misconduct), and also covers spouses and children under certain circumstances. Although COBRA paperwork can be a headache, employers can charge recipients 102 percent of the cost, with the extra 2 percent for administration costs.
Understanding and effectively managing COBRA benefits will:
- Ensure laid-off employees and their families have coverage
- Help your company avoid heavy fines, as the IRS has stepped up COBRA compliance efforts
- Prevent you from having to pay medical claims from employees who should have been notified of their coverage, but weren't. In those cases, your insurance company doesn't have your back, making you responsible for paying the former employee's medical bills. COBRA notification is the employer's responsibility, not the insurance company's.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Know the law
Familiarizing yourself with COBRA regulations and definitions is the first step you need to take.I recommend: The Department of Labor provides an overview of the federal law as well as FAQs and information on compliance assistance. You also need to check with your state's labor department. Cobrahealth.com provides resources on states' “mini COBRA” laws.
Call in the experts
Instead of handling compliance and administration yourself, outsource COBRA services.I recommend: HR outsourcing firms like Ceridian handle millions of COBRA claims, potentially saving you time, resources and worry.
Get off on the right foot
By law all new employees need to receive letter informing them of their COBRA rights when they are hired.I recommend: Use this sample notification letter from CCH.
Offer a lower-cost alternative
Companies must offer COBRA coverage if they meet federal and state criteria, but coverage is expensive and you can offer your employees a cheaper option.I recommend: Extend Benefits offers the Extend COBRA Alternative Program (CAP) to small businesses as a cheaper option than COBRA.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Coverage usually ends when coverage under another health plan begins.
- Under the law, children who are born, adopted or placed for adoption with the former employee during the continuous coverage period are now beneficiaries.
- Former employees are not entitled to group term-life insurance under COBRA.
Health Insurance Quotes
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www.healthinsurancesort.com
Quote and Compare Low-Cost Health Plans like Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna, Kaiser & many more. Plans start from $50 per month.
Short Term | Individual Health | HSA | PPO
www.healthinsurancesort.com
COBRA
Cobra Benefits Expiring or going out on COBRA? Compare health insurance policies and quotes nationwide in minutes. Know your options.
www.4freequotes.com
Cobra Benefits Expiring or going out on COBRA? Compare health insurance policies and quotes nationwide in minutes. Know your options.
www.4freequotes.com
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