COBRA - CONSOLIDATED OMNIBUS BUDGET RECONCILIATION ACT | UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS)
Provides information on workers' and employers' rights and responsibilities under the federal law covering the continuation of health insurance for a minimum of 18 months following certain qualifying events (job loss, reduction in hours, etc) that cause an individual to lose eligibility for coverage. This program is only for employees of US-based public employers, not including the federal government and certain church-related organizations. Continuation coverage is administered by the employer at group rates that are paid by the participant losing eligibility. Handles appeals for those who feel they have been denied coverage unfairly. The Department of Labor covers private sector programs. In Ohio, employers of fewer than 20 employees are covered under a state continuation program administered by the Department of Insurance.
Categories
Data provided by
211 Cleveland
Physical Address
7500 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21244
Hours
24 hrs a day, 7 days a week
Voice
Voice
Website
Application process
Employers offering group health coverage are required to provide information about this program to employees when they begin employment and when a qualifying event occurs that makes the employee, their spouse or dependents ineligible. Those experiencing a qualifying event that changes their status with employer-sponsored group health insurance will have a specified amount of time (usually about 60 days) to make a decision regarding their continued participation in the health plan once they receive notification of eligibility from the former employer. Information on compliance is available to employers. Information is available on Web site anytime or may phone for information or to make an appeal.
Fee
Free
Eligibility
Former employees of US-based public employers, not including the federal government and certain church-related organizations who have 20 or more employees. This is for employees separating from their employers for any reason and those reducing their work hours to a level where they are no longer eligible for participation in the business's group health insurance. Coverage continuation may apply to former employees, retirees, spouses of employees, ex-spouses of employees, and dependent children. Information on compliance is also available to employers.
Agency info
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (HHS)
Administers federal health and human services programs nationally. Works cooperatively with state, local, and tribal governments. Operating divisions include National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Indian Health Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.