COBRA initial notice - tell about 14 day requirement?

[Guest LLandau]

In the SPD or initial notice to participants, is an employer required to inform employees of their right to be notified of their COBRA rights within 14 days?

[Jbentz]

I have a complete checklist from an excellent seminar i went to regarding what should be included in the initial notice; i however, forgot it this morning. I will be happy to send the info to you tomorrow if you would like to contact me off-line.

[mroberts]

This should cover what you are responsible for:

Notice From Employer to Plan Administrator

When an employer does not administer the health plan, the employer must notify the plan administrator of certain qualifying events. The employer must send this notice within 30 days from the date coverage ceases or the date of the following qualifying events:

the death of the covered employee,

the covered employee's termination for causes other than gross misconduct,

the covered employee's entitlement to Medicare, and

the employer's bankruptcy.

Notice From Administrator to Beneficiaries

The plan administrator must notify qualified beneficiaries of their COBRA rights when a qualifying event occurs. Such notice must be provided within 14 days of receiving notice of any qualifying event.

If you need anything further, please let me know!