COBRA
Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on COBRA
COBRA stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act which was passed in 1986 to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the Internal Revenue Code and the Public Health Service Acts and provide continued group rate insurance to those who might lose the benefit under some conditions. Coverage may be extended to former employees, their spouses, former spouses, children and to retirees.
This type of coverage must be provided by employers who have 20 or more part or full time employees. Employers in this category are required to provide the benefit but not to pay any part of the premiums for the qualified beneficiaries. Those opting to take COBRA benefits pay the premiums themselves but at the group rate the employer pays. Costs are generally much higher than when the employer was contributing to the premiums, they are still significantly lower than paying premiums or individual coverage.
Numerous companies offer this type of insurance. If you are an employer seeking to offer this coverage to your employees and their dependents, you can review the potential providers at Business.com. Their listings, shown on the left, can help you locate a firm providing these services at prices that fall within your budget.
COBRA Education and Training
Stay up-to-date with COBRA laws through education and trainingBy Catherine Ryan The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) was passed by congress in 1986. The provision allows certain individuals and their family members to continue receiving health benefits at group rates, for a set amount of time, after the individual has left his job.
The rules surrounding COBRA health plans are complex and change often, making it imperative that all members of your HR and benefits departments have access to the latest training. As you seek out the best COBRA education and training resources for you and your team, keep the following in mind:
1. Specific training and certification is required to become a Certified COBRA Administrator.
2. Many companies offer on-site and off-site COBRA insurance seminars and training workshops.
3. You can save money and time by getting your COBRA insurance information through online webinars.
Get your COBRA health insurance certification through COBRA training courses
COBRA health plans are complicated and governed by many rules. Failing to fully understand and comply with these rules can be costly for your company. Through certification, you can ensure that you and the members of your team know how to keep your company compliant with all of COBRA's complex regulations.
Try: HRCertification.com offers a complete COBRA training and certification program with discounts for multiple users. It also offers a "Certified TPA" seal program. Or, sign up for the COBRA certification program at North Carolina State University.
Look to COBRA health coverage training workshops and seminars to get your staff up to speed
Keep your staff in the know with COBRA health plan changes through professional workshops and seminar attendance. Such events will not only equip your staff with the information about COBRA insurance that they need, but will also build a sense of camaraderie and teamwork.
Try: At COBRA Resources you can sign up for on-site training or off-site seminars to learn the latest rules of COBRA compliance. Employee Benefits Institute of America will keep you on top of the latest COBRA law changes through its series of informative seminars.
Stay abreast of the latest COBRA rules and regulations with convenient webinars
A great way to supply your team with comprehensive COBRA training is through webinars. Webinars are cost effective and won't interfere with your company or department's daily operations. Additionally, webinars allow you the flexibility of picking and choosing only the programs that meet your company's specific training needs.
Try: Sign up for the COBRA Advanced webinar at Infinisource. The company also offers traditional and in-house seminars as well as training credits. Register for the Recognizing and Addressing COBRA on-demand webinar from Lorman Education Services. You can also order books or sign up for the company's newsletter.
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