Members who were unable to attend HEC’s January 25th briefing on the COBRA Subsidy Extension presented by HEC General Counsel Clayton Kamida can view his PowerPoint presentation here, and includes a timetable for notices to be sent to plan participants.

The eligibility period for the COBRA subsidy was extended an additional two months (through Feb. 28, 2010) and the maximum period for receiving the subsidy for an additional six months (from nine to 15 months). Persons whose COBRA benefits have lapsed because of the previous 9-month maximum, or who lost the subsidy due to non-payment of their 35 percent share, will be allowed to continue COBRA coverage under the subsidy by making retroactive premium payments. Employers who terminate employees on or after October 31, 2009 will also be required to issue specific notices informing employees of the changes to the COBRA subsidy. See the COBRA website for additional information and the new notices.