Updated Model COBRA Election Notice Includes Information Regarding Health Insurance Exchanges
Revised Notice Informs Individuals of New Coverage Alternatives
A revised Model COBRA Election Notice is now available for group health plans to inform eligible employees and dependents of the right to continuation of coverage under federal law and how to make an election when a qualifying event occurs. The updated model notice includes information regarding coverage alternatives that will be available through the new Health Insurance Exchanges (also known as Marketplaces).
COBRA Election Notice Requirement
COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) generally applies to group health plans sponsored by employers with 20 or employees (including both full- and part-time employees) on more than 50% of their typical business days in the previous calendar year.
In general, an individual who was covered by a group health plan on the day before a qualifying event (such as termination of employment) may be able to elect COBRA continuation coverage upon a loss of coverage due to the qualifying event. Upon the occurrence of a qualifying event, the plan administrator is required to provide these individuals (called “qualified beneficiaries“) with an election notice, generally within 14 days after the administrator receives notice of the qualifying event.
Revised Model COBRA Election Notice
The updated Model COBRA Election Notice includes additional information for qualified beneficiaries who may want to consider and compare health coverage alternatives to COBRA that will be available through the Insurance Exchanges, which are expected to begin operating in 2014. The revised notice also describes the availability of premium tax credits for purchasing coverage through the Exchange.
Additional information regarding the revised notice is available in Technical Release 2013-02.
Beneficiaries Please note: For beneficiaries who are considering COBRA coverage, it may be in your best interests to pick up a plan of your own through Total Benefit Solutions Inc., your independent broker.just call us at (215)355-2121 for information.
Employers: Our section on COBRA includes additional model notices and step-by-step guidelines for COBRA compliance with your HR360.commembership. Not a member of HR360 yet? Call us today at (215)355-2121 and ask us how you can benefit from a complimentary subscription to HR360!
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