CobraHelp - COBRA Information - How Does COBRA Work

Life Events that Affect COBRA Administration

8/5/2024

Employers often ask us how to determine what is a qualifying event versus what is a life event. In a nutshell, COBRA qualifying events are those which cause a loss of coverage under the group health plan, causing an individual to become eligible for COBRA whereas a life event is something that triggers a change but doesn’t cause a loss of coverage.

Who Is Responsible for COBRA In Mergers & Acquisitions?

5/21/2024

COBRA can be downright overwhelming when business mergers or acquisitions occur given that group health plan changes happen rapidly, often causing individuals to lose health coverage under the plan. COBRA business acquisition handlers have seen on some level changes like layoffs due to corporate downsizing as a result of a merger, or the transition of employees from one business to another.

COBRA & Social Security Disability Extension Explained

4/17/2024

Under COBRA, there are certain rules which allow eligible disabled individuals (or their qualifying dependents) to extend the regular 18-month coverage period to 29 months total. In order for an individual to qualify for the extension of COBRA coverage, a qualified beneficiary must be deemed disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and meet several other criteria.

State Legislation That Extends COBRA Continuation Coverage

3/15/2024

One question we receive often regarding COBRA continuation is, “How do I know what the maximum period of coverage should be for my employee?”.

Holiday Season HR Oversights & How to Avoid Them

11/20/2023

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With chilly mornings, fallen leaves (and in some places, snow), supermarkets filled with signs of Thanksgiving feasts

Back To The Future: Old Rules, New Challenges for Employers

10/18/2023

The past several years in the world of employee benefits have been unique to say the least. With the pandemic came major changes in the healthcare and employee benefits

COBRA Qualifying Events and Maximum Coverage Periods

9/5/2023

COBRA qualifying events are different from "life events" that impact health coverage or employee benefits.

Medicare & COBRA Extensions for Spouses Explained

8/23/2023

Medicare and COBRA:
When a Covered Spouse Is Eligible for An Extension

It’s no secret that navigating Medicare can be a challenge all it’s own. But add COBRA compliance into the mix, and you’re sure to stumble upon an HR conundrum.

Solving COBRA Complexities: College Plans & COBRA Special Enrollment

7/19/2023

Complex COBRA Events & Best Practices | Special Enrollment Rights | College Students and COBRA Rights

Recently, an Employer presented the following questions regarding special enrollment options for COBRA beneficiaries.

How Lack of Clear Policy Impacts COBRA Compliance for Employers

6/7/2023

Why Every Employer Needs Well Written Leave Policies:

COBRA Compliance for Employers & Leave Management Work in Conjunction with one another.