The Department of Labor Issues New Information regarding COBRA Subsidy Extensions
By Ryan T. Neumeyer

The following links to the Department of Labor’s website provide updated information related to the COBRA subsidy extensions:

• The updated fact sheet is available at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/newsroom/fsCOBRApremiumreduction.html
  
• The FAQs for employees are available at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/faqs/faq-cobra-premiumreductionEE.html
  
• The job loss poster is available at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/joblossposter2.pdf
  
• The flyer for employees is available at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/cobrastimulusflyer2.pdf
  
• The flyer for employers is available at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/cobrastimulusflyer1.pdf
  
• The flyer for employees on the application for review is available at http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/pdf/distributionflyer09.pdf

In addition, below are links to the new model notices, which must be sent to certain individuals as explained in the Department of Labor’s above “fact sheet” and in my December 21, 2009 Article entitled “COBRA SUBSIDY EXTENSION.” 

The model notice entitled “Model Premium Assistance Extension Notice” is for those former employees who were receiving premium assistance as of October 31, 2009 including individuals who have received the full nine months of premium assistance required under ARRA and either did not make any payment for subsequent periods of coverage or made payment of the full premium otherwise required to maintain coverage absent the subsidy; and individuals who became Assistance Eligible Individuals or experienced a qualifying event that was the termination of a covered employee’s employment on or after October 31, 2009 but who were not provided a notice that included the information required by ARRA, as amended. 

The model notice entitled “Updated Model General Notice (full version)” is for those who have not yet received an election notice and who have experienced a qualifying event during the period that begins with September 1, 2008 and ends with February 28, 2010.

Finally, the model notice entitled "Updated Model Alternative Notice" is for use where coverage is subject to State continuation coverage requirements (Ohio Mini-COBRA ) during the period that begins with September 1, 2008 and ends with February 28, 2010.

Please do not hesitate to contact Ryan Neumeyer with any questions you may have regarding the COBRA Subsidy or other employment laws.

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