Using FSA to pay COBRA premiums from prior employer

[Belgarath]

I don't know why COBRA is suddenly popping up all the time....

If an employer (A) has a new employee coming from another employer (B) who offered COBRA, can the new employee us the FSA from (A) to pay for the COBRA payments?

[ERISAAPPLE]

You can't use an FSA to pay for any health insurance premiums, even for health coverage under the plan of the employer that sponsors the FSA.  In contrast, for example, you can use distributions from an HSA or an HRA to pay for COBRA coverage.  I believe the IRS publication on FSA covers this.  It is also in the proposed regs, which of course are not binding.  It is, however, the long-standing position of the IRS.  

[Belgarath]

Thanks. I actually knew that if I'd thought about it for just a minute. Sorry to have bothered you!