Compliance
The IRS evaluates employer records to validate COBRA compliance for companies with 20 or more employees. A joint Department of Labor (DOL) and IRS task force tracks individual complaints for COBRA violations.
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What are the implications for your company?
- Employers are required to demonstrate COBRA compliance during a corporate income tax audit. The IRS reviews employer’s method for notifying employees regarding qualifying events, records of the employees electing COBRA coverage and information on premiums charged for COBRA continuation.
- Companies can be fined by IRS for non-compliance with COBRA regulations.
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How can BenefitsAssist, inc. help you comply?
- Notification of group health continuation coverage is issued to newly covered employees and their dependents. BenefitsAssist, inc. tracks the printing and mailing dates for future reference.
- When an employee has a COBRA qualifying event, such as termination, reduction in hours, or a change in marital status the company should notify BenefitsAssist, inc., who will then send notification to the qualifying beneficiary within the timeline required by the IRS.
- Coverage Certificates, as mandated by HIPAA, are issued by BenefitsAssist, inc. for participants at the end of their COBRA continuation period.