Issue Tracker

COBRA Provisions in Stimulus Bill

On Feb. 17, 2009 President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1) into law, also known as the "stimulus bill". The broad package includes COBRA subsidies for people who lost health coverage due to a involuntary job loss between Sept. 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2009. The COBRA provisions took effect Mar. 1, 2009, and require action by employers including updated COBRA notices, new enrollment options and the implementation of subsidy procedures.

Issue Summary - Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R. 1) COBRA Provisions on Total Rewards Professionals (WorldatWork)
Frequently Asked Questions on COBRA Provisions of the ARRA (WorldatWork)

Additional Guidance Merges on COBRA Subsidy
Buck Consultants, June 25, 2009

COBRA Questions and Answers - Form Preparation
Internal Revenue Service, May 1, 2009

COBRA Subsidy May Cause Increased Health-Care Costs, Survey Says
Newsline, April 14, 2009

DOL Updates COBRA Subsidy FAQs
Newsline, April 3, 2009

DOL Updates Guidance on COBRA Expansion
American Benefits Council, April 2, 2009

Federal COBRA Subsidy - Changes and Challenges for Employers
Towers Perrin , April 1, 2009

IRS Guidance Issued on COBRA Premium Subsidy
Newsline, April 1, 2009

New COBRA premium subsidy and notice requirements
Mercer, Mar. 6, 2009

US Economic stimulus plan includes COBRA subsidy provisions
Watson Wyatt Worldwide , Feb. 27, 2009

New economic stimulus law requires immediate employer action on COBRA includes other health measures
Mercer, Feb. 19, 2009

The Stimulus Law’s Temporary Subsidy for COBRA Premiums
The Segal Group, Inc., Feb. 18, 2009

New Economic Stimulus Law Requires Immediate Employer Action on COBRA, Includes other Health Measures
Mercer, Feb. 17, 2009

Stimulus Bill Provides Subsidized COBRA Coverage
Watson Wyatt , Feb. 17, 2009

Stimulus Bill Contains Executive Compensation Provisions, COBRA Subsidy
Newsline, Feb. 16, 2009

American Recovery and Reinvstment Act of 2009 (H.R. 1)

• COBRA Assistance under ARRA (DOL - EBSA)
  • Compliance Assistance Webcast
  • Flyer for: Employers  |  Employees
  • Fact Sheet
  • Frequently Asked Questions for Employers
  • Frequently Asked Questions for Workers & Families
  • Model Notices
  • Application For Review Of Denial Of COBRA Premium Reduction
• Frequently Asked Questions (House Committee on Education and Labor)
• COBRA Health Insurance Continuation Premium Subsidy (IRS)
  • Guidance Notice with Background and Q & A
  • COBRA: Answers for Employers Updated!
    Now includes a “reasonable interpretation” rule for determinations of “involuntary termination.
• Full Text - American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
• Conference Committee Report
• H.R. 1 Status (Library of Congress)
• www.recovery.gov

Friday Wrap-Up: A Trillion Here, a Trillion There …
Public Policy Perceptions Blog, April 3, 2009

COBRA Questions Continued; Answers Added
Public Policy Perceptions Blog, March 24, 2009

Tips on COBRA Compliance
The Business of Benefits Blog, Feb. 24, 2009

Full Text of COBRA Provisions in Stimulus Package
Mercer, Feb. 19, 2009

Summary of Key COBRA Provisions
American Benefits Council, Feb. 17, 2009

Weekend News Update
Public Policy Perceptions Blog, Feb. 16, 2009

Friday Wrap-Up: A Stimulating Week
Public Policy Perceptions Blog, Feb. 16, 2009

Financial Investment Advice Regs Delayed; Comment Period Extended
The Business of Benefits Blog, Feb. 5, 2009