Recognizing and Addressing COBRA

Gain a better understanding of COBRA compliance, risk mitigation, and how to use COBRA benefits in employment and severance agreements.

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) is a federal law which requires an employee group health plan to offer covered employees and their family members the opportunity to temporarily continue health coverage under the plan at group rates. This program is designed to help employers, as well as group health plan and COBRA third-party administrators, understand COBRA compliance and risk mitigation, and use COBRA benefits in employment and severance agreements. After attending this session, you will be able to determine whether COBRA, or a state-law version of COBRA applies to your business. This program will provide attendees with a basic understanding of the COBRA compliance process. This includes what triggers the employer's obligation to offer COBRA benefits (and to whom), notification to the plan administrator, sending an election notice to the QB 'qualified beneficiary' (typically, but not always, the employee), the QB's election (or not) of COBRA coverage, and the QB's making of premium payments. The topic will also discuss the common sources of potential legal liability, and the ability to quantify the legal risk. Lastly, this topic will increase your ability to implement action steps to mitigate legal risk.