Comments on: What the stimulus package means for COBRA

By: Sharon H

Sharon H — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:09:36 +0000

Bobby – you will be able to claim a credit against your payroll taxes. Please see IRS.gov and search COBRA subsidy.

By: Jes

Jes — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 06:34:53 +0000

Has anybody actually gotten cobra coverage under the stimulus pkg? I lost my job 12/29/08 and was notified that i was eligible for the cobra stim in mid march. It took till mid april for the plan admin to get me the paperwork. I had to send a check with the paperwork to cover mar AND apr but my insurance card still has NOT been activated and therefore I still don’t have medical coverage. We are being made to pay from MAR 1 and I can’t even see a doctor!

By: Bobby

Bobby — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 17:18:13 +0000

Can someone explain the process for getting reimbursed for the 65% of the premium paid since Feb 2009 as provided for by the changes to COBRA via the Stimulus Bill?

By: Sharon H

Sharon H — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:56:44 +0000

Diane – As I understand it, they would have 60 days from the date you send the new notice.

By: Diane J

Diane J — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:35:24 +0000

Hi Gabby it was a typo on my part and yes it should be April 18th, sorry about that. Is anyone else having trouble figuring out which date to use for the 60 day period a past employee has to decide whether to choose COBRA.

By: mP

mP — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:20:14 +0000

My take on this would be that you aren’t eligible. The eligibility is for involuntary loss of work starting on Sept. 1, 2008. It seems like you just missed being able to take advantage of this fabulous benefit for unemployed people.

By: Barb

Barb — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:13:22 +0000

My COBRA benefits began on September 1, 2008 although my layoff (involuntary termination) is dated August 15. Does anyone have an opinion on whether or not I’ll be eligible for the subsidy? Thanks!

By: Tara

Tara — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:14:33 +0000

Can anyone tell me if you have seen clarification regarding the flexible spending accounts not being included? We offer health savings accounts and I cannot find clarification as to whether they are linking HSAs to the FSA exclusion or if my company will be affected by this amendment.

By: Alenne

Alenne — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:30:46 +0000

Has anyone seen any details for “what if’s?” We provide subsidized COBRA benefits for laid off workers based on years of service. We also have a self-insured plan. Will either of these issues negate our workers’ eligibility for the program?

By: Gaby

Gaby — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:43:47 +0000

Diane J., you mentioned April 1st as our notification deadline, however, I have received from two reliable sources (of many sources on this topic) that we have 60 days from the day the law went into effect, or until April 18, 2009, to notify eligible individuals of their right to the COBRA subsidy. If this is correct, we may have a couple of more weeks to prepare. I, too, have heard that the DOL is supposed have a model notice within 30 days from 2/17/09.