COBRA Health Insurance Subsidy Extended Again

» Articles » Benefits Articles » Article

March 18, 2010

The COBRA health insurance subsidy has been extended once again. The extension was signed into law by President Obama on March 2, 2010 when he signed H.R. 4691, the Temporary Extension Act of 2010.

The legislation will provide additional assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs and have opted to continue their former employer's health benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The measure extends the 65 percent federal subsidy for COBRA established by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which originally applied only to employees who lost their jobs before December 31, 2009. The subsidy was extended in December 2009 by increasing the subsidy period from 9 to 15 months and increasing the eligibility period to go through February 28, 2010. This second extension will allow employees who are involuntary terminated through March 31, 2010 to take advantage of the subsidy program.

In addition, the Temporary Extension Act of 2010 expands the definition of a qualifying event for COBRA subsidy purposes. In order to become eligible for the COBRA subsidy, an individual must become eligible for COBRA due to a qualifying event occurring between September 1, 2008 and March 31, 2010. This recent extension expands the definition of a qualifying event to include a reduction of hours occurring during the period of September 1, 2008 through March 31, 2010, followed by an involuntary termination of employment occurring on or after March 2, 2010 and before March 31, 2010.

Plan administrators are required to notify those individuals affected by this expanded definition of qualifying event by notifying them of their new election opportunity. Employers should examine the number of employees who have suffered a reduction in hours between September 1, 2008 and March 31, 2010. If any of these employees are later involuntarily terminated between March 2, 2010 and March 31, 2010, they need to receive the appropriate notice.

Continue reading below

FREE Benefits Training from Lorman

Lorman has over 37 years of professional training experience.
Join us for a special white paper and level up your Benefits knowledge!

Top 6 Benefit Plan Trends for 2017

Learn More

The Senate is currently considering the American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010, which would extend the 65% COBRA premium subsidy to apply for involuntary terminations through the end of 2010.

More Benefits Articles

The material appearing in this web site is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Transmission of this information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. The information provided herein is intended only as general information which may or may not reflect the most current developments. Although these materials may be prepared by professionals, they should not be used as a substitute for professional services. If legal or other professional advice is required, the services of a professional should be sought.

The opinions or viewpoints expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Lorman Education Services. All materials and content were prepared by persons and/or entities other than Lorman Education Services, and said other persons and/or entities are solely responsible for their content.

Any links to other web sites are not intended to be referrals or endorsements of these sites. The links provided are maintained by the respective organizations, and they are solely responsible for the content of their own sites.