COBRA Notices Updated by DOL: May 2, 2014
Did you know that on May 2, 2014, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued updates to the Model General Notice and COBRA Election Notice? Are you confident that you are providing the correct notices in a timely manner to your eligible employees and qualified beneficiaries? The Obama administration announced updates to model notices that employers must provide to employees, informing workers of their eligibility to continue health care coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The Department of Labor (DOL) on May 2, 2014, released a new model general notice form and model election notice form for providing COBRA notices to employees, and a related notice of proposed rulemaking on the COBRA notice requirements, published in the May 7 edition of the Federal Register. Federal agencies also released an updated model notice regarding premium assistance under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
The updated notices let employees and qualified beneficiaries know that if they are eligible for COBRA continuation coverage, they also have an option to purchase coverage through the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace, as the government-run exchange is formally known. Employees directed to Covered California/public exchange, may qualify for federal subsidies depending on income, and are less likely to opt to pay the full premium to continue with their former employer’s health coverage through COBRA. Regardless of the availability of Covered California/public exchange, employers with 20 or more are still required to comply with COBRA. Ultimately, the decision of continuation of medical coverage will depend on what is best for the individual/family. For more information on COBRA Continuation Coverage, see the resources below.
or Employees
- On COBRA Continuation Coverage? Compare Your Options During Open Enrollment
- HHS Bulletin Allowing Special Enrollment Period for COBRA Qualified Beneficiaries in the Health Insurance Marketplace
- HHS Fact Sheet on Losing Job-Based Coverage
- General COBRA FAQs for Employees
- Protecting Your Retirement and Health Care Benefits After Job Loss | en español
- Guide to COBRA Health Continuation Coverage | en español
- Healthcare.gov
For Employers
- HHS Bulletin Allowing Special Enrollment Period for COBRA Qualified Beneficiaries in the Health Insurance Marketplace
- HHS Fact Sheet on Losing Job-Based Coverage
- COBRA Model General Notice | en español
- COBRA Model Election Notice | en español
- General COBRA FAQs for Employers
- Guide to COBRA Health Continuation Coverage | en español
- Healthcare.gov
Posters and Flyers
Video
Reference: As seen at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/COBRA.html dated August 1, 2015.
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