FYI: COBRA Subsidy Extension
By Cindy Van Bogaert
December 21, 2009
Here is your latest FYI: Employee Benefits Update from Cindy Van Bogaert, Partner and Chair of the Employee Benefits Practice Group at Boardman Law Firm LLP. This FYI addresses new developments regarding COBRA continuation under employer group health plans.
President Obama reportedly has signed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010. (See http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/newsroom/2009/ebsa122109.html#.) This Act extends the eligibility period for the COBRA premium reduction for an additional 2 months (from December 31, 2009 through February 28, 2010) and extends the maximum period for receiving the subsidy for an additional 6 months (from 9 to 15 months). Special rules apply regarding retroactive payments and additional notice requirements apply to certain individuals.
Actions Employers Should Take Now:
- Review plan forms, documents, administration, and communications for necessary changes.
- Prepare and provide any required notices.
Please contact me if you would like more information or assistance.
Upcoming seminars:
- "HIPAA Privacy Training and HIPAA Privacy New Developments," in Madison, WI on January 19, 2010. For registration information: http://www.boardmanlawfirm.com/events/HIPAAseminar.php
- "Fiduciary Responsibility," in Madison, WI on February 10, 2010. Contact me for details.
- "401(k) Plans," in Madison, WI on March 10, 2010. For information and registration: http://www.boardmanlawfirm.com/events/401kSeminar.php
- "HIPAA Privacy Heats Up," at the Midwest Claims Conference in Lake Geneva, WI on May 6, 2010.
- "Fiduciary Responsibility," at Wisconsin Retirement Plan Professionals, Ltd in Milwaukee, WI on May 27, 2010. For contact information: http://wrppl.org/Home/tabid/88/Default.aspx.
- "HIPAA Privacy: Tougher Rules; Tougher Enforcement," at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Annual Conference & Exposition in San Diego, CA on June 28, 2010. For information and to register: http://www.shrm.org/CONFERENCES/annual/Pages/default.aspx
This FYI is not legal advice. Individuals should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from their own counsel.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Cindy Van Bogaert at (608) 283-7543 or Email.
Would you like to have FYI: Employee Benefits Update sent directly to your e-mail inbox? If so, please send your request, with e-mail address, to Cindy Van Bogaert at Email.