COBRA notification for New Employee

[Guest nroth]

I seem to remember that when a new employee starts, COBRA information must be sent to the employees spouse and dependents. Can anyone confirm this?

[Mary C]

Nikki -

its when they enroll. You don't have to send the notice to employees prior to enrollment or those that don't enroll. Also, the notice should be sent to any family member covered. While you may be able to get away with addressing it to Mr.(or Ms.) Employee and Family for those dependents who live with the employee, the regs require you send a separate notice to those dependents that are being covered that do not live with the employee (if an address is provided). There's statutory language out there for this initial notice.

[Guest nroth]

Thanks for your response. It confirmed with my intial thoughts. I'm new at a company and don't believe this has been covered. I've looked on the DOL and other sites for specific info. and language concerning this, would you know another source.

Again, thank you for your help. It is appreciated!!

[Alf]

The original model COBRA notice is in ERISA Technical Release No. 86-2, Guidance on group health continuation coverage notification provisions, which was issued by the Department of Labor on June 22, 1986, although the language in this model notice IS VERY OUTDATED AND SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT MODIFICATION. Several law changes have affected the COBRA information in the notice, so you will have to update it for things like HIPPA. I don't know of a free source for this notice if it is not on the DOL web page, but you should be able to find it at any good old-fashioned library.

[Guest KGibson]

Another source with model notifications is the Bureau of National Affairs. I have used their products in the past. 1-800 BNA Plus can direct you to someone that can help.

[Kirk Maldonado]

Nikki:

There is a truly outstanding publication on COBRA, entitled "Mandated Health Benefits." It was written by Paul Hamburger and published by Thompson Publishing Group. It offers a wealth of practical advice and some of the best COBRA forms I've ever seen.

P.S. I am not affiliated with either Paul Hamburger (although I've known him for many years) or with Thompson Publishing Group.