The 3 C’s Keeping HR Pros Awake at Night: COVID-19, COBRA and Compliance
March 17, 2021
In April 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced the suspension of certain federal deadlines related to employee benefits for the duration of the COVID-19 National Emergency. Those deadlines, set under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), primarily pertain to the COBRA program that allows for the continuation of employee group health plan coverage after employment ends.
As we approach the one-year anniversary of the DOL’s announcement with the National Emergency declaration still in effect and a new relief provisions complicating matters for plan administrators, employers and COBRA beneficiaries may need guidance regarding timelines and deadlines. To assist, Alera Group’s employee benefits compliance team has produced two new documents.
COBRA & COVID-19, a six-page whitepaper, includes:
- Timeline changes
- Scenarios comparing pre-COVID timeline rules with National Emergency rules
- New subsidy rules under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
- A chart comparing classifications of COBRA beneficiaries
- Scenarios involving both timeline rules and subsidy consideration.
- Premium subsidy
- The extended election period
- Rules regarding plan enrollment options
- Required notices by employers to employees
- Coordination with the Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC).
In addition to downloading the documents, plan administrators and other HR professionals will want to register for Alera Group’s April 15 webinar, 2021 Legislative Update: What You Need to Know to Stay ERISA Compliant. Attendees will receive valuable information about the most recent regulatory changes and have the opportunity to earn SHRM credits.
REGISTER FOR THE WEBINAR
The information provided in this alert is not, is not intended to be, and shall not be construed to be, either the provision of legal advice or an offer to provide legal services, nor does it necessarily reflect the opinions of the firm, our lawyers or our clients. This is not legal advice. No client-lawyer relationship between you and our lawyers is or may be created by your use of this information. Rather, the content is intended as a general overview of the subject matter covered. Barrow Weatherhead Lent LLP is not obligated to provide updates on the information presented herein. Those reading this alert are encouraged to seek direct counsel on legal questions. © 2023 Barrow Weatherhead Lent LLP. All Rights Reserved.
About Alera Group
Alera Group is an independent, national insurance and wealth services firm with more than $1.1 billion in annual revenue, offering comprehensive employee benefits, property and casualty insurance, retirement plan services and wealth services solutions to clients nationwide. By working collaboratively across specialties and geographies, Alera Group’s team of more than 4,000 professionals in more than 180 locations provides creative, competitive services that help ensure a client’s business and personal success. For more information, visit https://aleragroup.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn.