Alex Can a company refuse to offer COBRA?
Employers who fail to comply with the COBRA requirements can be required to pay a steep price. Failure to provide the COBRA election notice within this time period can subject employers to a penalty of up to $110 per day, as well as the cost of medical expenses incurred by the qualified beneficiary.
Does my job have to offer me COBRA?
COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985) is a federal law that requires employers of 20 or more employees who offer health care benefits to offer the option of continuing this coverage to individuals who would otherwise lose their benefits due to termination of employment, reduction in hours or …
What is a COBRA rights notice?
The general notice describes general COBRA rights and employee obligations. This notice must be provided to each covered employee and each covered spouse of an employee who becomes covered under the plan. An explanation of what qualified beneficiaries must do to notify the plan of qualifying events or disabilities.
What to do if you have questions about Cobra?
If you have questions about Medicare and COBRA, call the Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center (BCRC) at 1-855-798-2627 (TTY: 1-855-797-2627). If your group health plan coverage was from a private employer (not a government employer), contact the Department of Labor .
What is included in a notice of COBRA rights?
A notice of COBRA rights generally includes the following information: The bases for early termination of the period of COBRA coverage. Q14: How do I elect COBRA? Qualified beneficiaries must notify the plan administer of their election according to the instructions laid out in the election notice.
When do you become entitled to COBRA continuation?
If you become entitled to elect COBRA continuation coverage when you otherwise would lose group health coverage under a group health plan, you should consider all options you may have to get other health coverage before you make your decision.
What does it mean to be part of a Cobra plan?
COBRA covers group health plans sponsored by an employer (private-sector or state/local government) that employed at least 20 employees on more than 50 percent of its typical business days in the previous calendar year. Both full- and part-time employees are counted to determine whether a plan is subject to COBRA.