COBRA Premium Discount Continuation
mbliek
10 Posts
I know that there were two bills in congress to extend the COBRA - ARRA premium discount into 2010. One continues the discount at 35/65% but extends the length of time from 9 months to 15 months. The other changes the discount to 25/75% but also extends the length to 15 months.
Has either one been passed or close to being passed before the the current plan end 12/31/2009?
Thanks for the update.
Has either one been passed or close to being passed before the the current plan end 12/31/2009?
Thanks for the update.
Comments
Here's the bottom line:
[I]The subsidy extension may end up being part of a jobs bill, but there are no specifics yet on the precise terms, [I]i.e.[/I], how the measure may differ from the bills that have been introduced so far.
. . .
As we get closer to the end of the year, legislation is likely to move quickly. Congress could remain in session right up until Christmas, and coming back between Christmas and New Year’s hasn’t been entirely ruled out, though Congress doesn’t typically meet between Christmas and New Year.
[/I]
The authors of the post, benefits experts [URL="http://www.alston.com/ashley_gillihan/"]Ashley Gillihan[/URL] and Carolyn Smith, promise to post updates to [URL="http://employmentlawpost.com/hrnews/"]HR News[/URL].
That, my friends, will suck.
Here's a quick rundown of the extensions the legislation makes:[/SIZE][/FONT][INDENT][FONT="][SIZE=3]· the total allowable time an individual could receive the COBRA subsidy by six months (from nine to 15 months); and[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3]
[/SIZE] [/INDENT][INDENT][FONT="][SIZE=3] · the subsidy to individuals who are involuntarily terminated between January 1, 2010, and February 28, 2010.[/SIZE][/FONT][SIZE=3]
[/SIZE] [/INDENT][FONT="][SIZE=3] Additionally, the legislation would allow individuals whose subsidy periods already expired and who failed to pay their full unsubsidized premiums to retroactively pay them.
Also, we are now offering an audio conference on January 20 and February 4. [URL="http://www.hrhero.com/audio/COBRA-extension/?"]"New COBRA Subsidy Extension: Step-by-Step Guidance for Employers"[/URL] will be presented by Ashley Gillihan, an attorney who advises employers on health and employee benefit compliance. For more information, [URL="http://www.hrhero.com/audio/COBRA-extension/?"]click here[/URL] or call (800) 274-6774.[/SIZE][/FONT]
What a nightmare. Can anyone tell me how thinking in Washington has become so convoluted?
They don't care because they aren't the ones who have to administer this stuff. Look at FMLA. If the bureaucrats had to deal with these issues on a day-to-day basis I think they would change their minds very quickly.