"ERISA's COBRA provisions generally do not apply to a group health plan sponsored by an Indian tribal government if the plan qualifies as a governmental plan. For this exemption to apply, all participants must be employees of the tribal entity, and substantially all of their services must be in the performance of essential governmental functions -- not commercial activities such as operating a casino or hotel.... [B]ased solely on the facts in the opinion, the Tribe's reliance on COBRA's gross misconduct exception seems shaky at best." [Meilstrup v. Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, No. 25-0162 (D.N.D. Oct. 9, 2025)]  MORE >>