What is a COBRA notification letter?

The COBRA Rights Notification Letter Template contains a model form of the letter that all employees must receive either from their employer or from the benefit plan administrator of their benefit plans.

How should COBRA notices be mailed?

Employers should send notices by first-class mail, obtain a certificate of mailing from the post office, and keep a log of letters sent. Certified mailing should be avoided, as a returned receipt with no delivery acceptance signature proves the participant did not receive the required notice.

What COBRA notices are required?

Group health plans must give each employee and spouse a general notice describing COBRA rights within the first 90 days of coverage. Group health plans can satisfy this requirement by including the general notice in the plan’s summary plan description and giving it to the employee and spouse within this time limit.

How long do employers have to send out COBRA letters?

Your employer must mail you the COBRA information and forms within 14 days after receiving notification of the qualifying event. You are responsible for making sure your COBRA coverage goes into and stays in effect – if you do not ask for COBRA coverage before the deadline, you may lose your right to COBRA coverage.

Are employers required to offer Cobra?

Not all employers are required to provide COBRA coverage to their employees. In general, if you work for a private business that has 20 or more employees, your employer must offer COBRA coverage.

What are Cobra guidelines?

COBRA Guidelines. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) gives employees and their families who lose their health benefits, the right to choose to continue group health benefits provided by their employer for a limited period of time under certain circumstances such as voluntary or involntary job loss (not for cause),…

Is dropping Cobra a qualifying life event?

Becoming eligible for COBRA or having COBRA coverage expire (voluntarily dropping COBRA coverage is not a qualifying life event) You gain status as a member of an American Indian tribe—members of federally recognized American Indian tribes can sign up for or change plans once a month throughout the year.

What is a COBRA insurance letter?

A COBRA letter is drafted by the plan administrator with a copy mailed to each qualified beneficiary before the coverage is terminated. The COBRA termination letter format must include the reason why the coverageis being terminated, the rights of the beneficiaries, and the specific date the coverage will end.