COBRA
COBRA has been an administrative challenge for employers dating back to 1986 when it first became effective. On the surface, it’s easy to comprehend COBRA and its purpose, but behind the scenes, an employer has a lot of obligations it must account for to ensure compliance with the law. Take this scenario for example:
Is it or isn’t it a qualifying event?
Medicare entitlement of the employee is listed as a COBRA qualifying event; however, it is rarely a qualifying event. In situations where it is a qualifying event, it is only a qualifying event for the spouse or children that are covered under the group health plan.
That flu shot you're providing to employees. Are you offering it as a benefit to COBRA beneficiaries? Because you should be.
While COBRA is conceptually easy to understand, it is tactically more challenging to administer. Many employers are unaware that certain benefits are subject to COBRA. On the other hand, some employers are offering COBRA in situations which they don't have to because of a misunderstanding of the law.
The 2016 Medicare Part D annual enrollment period will begin on October 15, 2015 and run through December 7, 2015. Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in a Part D drug plan or make changes to existing coverage during this time period. Enrollment can be done through a stand-alone drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that integrates coverage for medical and drug expenses.
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