The DOL has issued FAQs discussion the new 2010 temporary COBRA extension.
Document Excerpt
COBRA allows certain people to extend employer-provided group health coverage if they would otherwise lose the coverage due to certain events such as loss of a job. The stimulus package, which was enacted in February 2009 as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), temporarily reduces the premium for COBRA or comparable State continuation coverage for eligible individuals. The Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 (2010 DOD Act) amended ARRA to extend the period to qualify for the COBRA premium reduction, as well as extended the maximum period for receiving the subsidy an additional six months (from nine to 15 months). The Temporary Extension Act of 2010 (TEA) was signed by the president on March 2, 2010. TEA amended ARRA to further extend the period to qualify for the COBRA premium reduction until March 31, 2010. TEA also provides that an involuntary termination of employment that occurs on or after March 2, 2010 but by March 31, 2010 is a qualifying event for purposes of ARRA if it was preceded by a qualifying event that was a reduction of hours occurring at any time from September 1, 2008 through March 31, 2010.
Link http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq-cobra-premiumreductionEE.html
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