COBRA CONTINUATION

How Long Does COBRA Coverage Last?

How long COBRA coverage lasts depends on what qualifying event triggered the coverage. If an employee is terminated or has their hours reduced, COBRA coverage can last for up to 18 months. For other events, it may last up to 36 months. In both cases, COBRA coverage typically begins on the day of the qualifying event, and it will be terminated early if a potential beneficiary doesn’t pay the coverage premiums.

What Businesses Must Provide COBRA Coverage?

Businesses that have at least 20 employees are typically required to provide COBRA coverage, and there are usually legal requirements to notify employees of COBRA coverage if it’s provided.

Who Pays COBRA Coverage Premiums?

COBRA coverage premiums are usually paid for by the person receiving the coverage (i.e. an employee, an employee’s family, a former spouse, or a former dependent). There are federal requirements about how much the premiums can be and how they can be billed, but the responsibility for paying for coverage typically falls to the employee or their family.

What Organizations Are Involved in COBRA Coverage?

Several organizations formally oversee different aspects of COBRA coverage:

• The Department of Labor oversees notifications provided by private employers
• The Department of Health and Human Services oversees COBRA coverage provided by state and local governments
• The Internal Revenue Service oversees aspects of COBRA coverage related to the tax code
• The Department of Treasury oversees other aspects of COBRA coverage

How Can Businesses Learn More About COBRA Coverage?

Businesses can, of course, contact the federal agencies that oversee COBRA coverage to learn more about it. Reaching multiple agencies can take a significant amount of time, though.

It’s often easier for businesses to talk with the firm that helps them set up a group health insurance plan. Because COBRA coverage is essentially a continuation of group health insurance benefits under certain, qualifying circumstances, firms that help businesses set up group health plans are often well versed in and able to assist with COBRA continuation coverage.