Cobra by RussBowling
COBRA
Most group health plans and group life insurance arrangements are subject to laws requiring that continuation of coverage be offered to employees, their spouses, and their dependents if certain events occur that would otherwise cause these persons to lose their coverage under the plan (for example, the termination of a covered employee’s employment). These requirements are established by the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”)153 and similar state laws.154 Employers who offer these benefits must be aware of the applicable rules governing continuation of coverage, and must be prepared to provide the appropriate notices and election forms to covered individuals when these events occur.
The legal requirements in this area can be complex, and will depend on the type of plan the employer offers. For this reason, and because of the potential for liability in the event that an employer fails to comply with the continuation coverage requirements that apply to its plans, the employer should consult legal counsel regarding these requirements.
Below is a brief overview of federal COBRA and Minnesota law with respect to an employer’s continuation coverage requirements. The following posts should not be considered legal advice.
- COBRA Overview
- COBRA Requirements
- COBRA Triggering Events
- Special Rules
- Offering Cobra
- Basic Maximum COBRA Coverage Periods
- Termination of COBRA Coverage Prior to Expiration of Maximum COBRA Coverage Period
- COBRA Notice Requirements
- Initial COBRA Notice
- COBRA Election Notice
- Notice of COBRA Coverage Termination
- Notice of Unavailability of COBRA Coverage
- Qualifying Event Notice
- Elections, Premiums and Penalties
- Minnesota State Law Requirements
153 ERISA § 404(a)(1)(A)-(D); 29 USC § 1104(a)(1)(A)-(D)
154 ERISA § 410(b); 29 USC § 1110(b); M.S.A. 302A.521
