2014 - Understanding and Administering COBRA

Instructor: Kenneth Sprang
Description:
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) requires employers to allow employees to continue group health care coverage for 18 to 36 months following termination of employment or reduction in hours. Premiums are paid by the employee. However, administration of COBRA is not always as simple as one might expect. For example, family members of an employee are entitled to certain COBRA benefits. Some employees enjoy benefits for 18 months while others are entitled to 36 months of benefits. Now with a number of states recognizing same sex marriage, gay employees may cover spouses under COBRA. This program will provide a clear overview of COBRA with pragmatic advice for administering it in your company.
Almost every employer with 20 or more employees is subject to COBRA. Some states have adopted "min-COBRA" statutes which reach employer with fewer employees and/or impose different eligibility requirements and different benefits. COBRA has been a godsend to employees who lost jobs or whose hours were reduced so as to make them disqualified for employer sponsored healthcare benefits.
Now that insurers can no longer discriminate against persons with pre-existing conditions because of the Affordable Care Act, the importance of COBRA could be reduced. In some states an employee might actually find better, less expensive coverage through one of the available exchanges. For now, however, COBRA is alive and well. The rules governing the statute are not onerous, but there are several ministerial tasks for employers in administering COBRA. This webinar will introduce you to the fundamentals of the statute, administration of the statute by employers, and some of the changes that have arisen recently.
Why Should you Attend:
Understanding COBRA and administering it properly is both good business in terms of HR policies, and in terms of avoiding costly conflicts with government agencies. Employers may be reviewing health care benefits in light of the Affordable Care Act, and any change in health care benefits may have COBRA implications. This webinar is designed to provide a comprehensive view of COBRA and provide pragmatic tips on structuring and administering COBRA in your company.
Objectives of the Presentation:
Overview of the COBRA
Who is Covered By the COBRA
State Mini-COBRA statutes
Administration of COBRA
Termination of COBRA benefits
Latest developments in COBRA
Who can Benefit:
HR Directors
Persons administering COBRA benefits
Personnel involved in labor and employment matters
Attorneys who advise and represent clients regarding employment matters (you probably will not get a response from them as they will be looking for CLE credit)
Register Now:
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