COBRA
– The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) enacted
a 65% subsidy for COBRA premiums for qualified beneficiaries who
involuntarily lost employment between September 1, 2008 and December
31, 2009. The subsidy is generally effective on March 1, 2009.
Employers are required to send former employees who lost employment
(voluntarily and involuntarily) during this time new COBRA notices
and Election Notices. These must be sent no later than Saturday,
April 18, 2009.
Model
Continuation Coverage Election Notice
– For use where coverage is subject to State continuation
requirements during the period that begins with September 1, 2008
and ends with December 31, 2009.
HIPAA
– Major Changes To HIPAA Privacy And Security Rules Are
On The Way
COBRA
– Stimulus package includes 65%COBRA premium subsidy
CHIP
– The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) imposes
new requirements on employer’s group health plan. The law
now permits two new special enrollment events in an employer’s
group health plan and imposes new notice requirements on employers
and Plans. This law is effective April 1, 2009.
