2016 - Understanding and Administrating COBRA: Avoiding Costly Conflicts with Government Agencies

Overview:
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.
This program will provide a clear overview of COBRA with pragmatic advice for administering it in your company.
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.
Areas Covered in the Session:
Overview of the COBRA
Who is Covered By the COBRA
State Mini-COBRA statutes
Administration of COBRA
Termination of COBRA benefits
Who Will Benefit:
HR Directors
Persons Administering COBRA Benefits
Personnel involved in Labor and Employment matters
Instructor:
Kenneth A. Sprang is one of the founding partners of Washington International Business Counsel, LLP, in Washington, DC, a boutique firm serving businesses around the United States and abroad. Mr. Sprang counsels and represents both domestic and international clients in labor and employment and employee benefits matters, as well as a wide range of corporate, business and transactional matters.
Mr. Sprang brings to his clients 35 years of experience and expertise in labor and employment law. He represents employers in traditional labor relations matters, as well as in wage and hour, employment discrimination, HR, employee benefits, and other issues related to employment. In addition to representing clients in all aspects of U.S. labor and employment law (including specific state laws), he has served on the senior staff of the Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board and taught the subject for many years. He is the author or co-author of several books and articles on labor and employment law and alternative dispute resolution. Currently he provides outside editorial assistance to an online HR company.