COBRA 102: Beyond the Basics

In today's mobile society, employers must deal with frequent turnover of personnel. When employees leave, often employers are faced with the issue of providing health benefits for the former employees and their families. An employer must understand employees' rights and the employer's corresponding obligations under employee benefits law.

Due to the increasing cost of medical care, employees are generally very concerned that they and their families have the opportunity to continue medical coverage under a prior employer's plan. Employees and former employees are not hesitant to enforce their rights through litigation. In order to decrease the likelihood of employee lawsuits, employers must be familiar with the everchanging requirements governing group health plans.

Employees and their families who lose coverage under an employer group health plan are entitled to continue their coverage under certain circumstances. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, commonly known as COBRA, contains specific standards governing continuation coverage.

This course will assist non-ERISA attorneys in understanding individuals' and employers' rights and obligations regarding COBRA continuation coverage under group health plans.