In essence, COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1985) is an "employee right." COBRA requires employers who employ 20 or more persons to notify employees and their insured dependents of their right to continue health insurance coverage whenever certain "qualifying events" occur.

THE CHALLENGES FOR EMPLOYERS REGARDING COBRA

COBRA compliance is not easy. The laws are complex and constantly changing, making it difficult for the employer to understand their responsibilities and stay in compliance.

What makes COBRA dangerous is the employer's exposure to various liabilities for non-compliance, such as:

• ERISA penalties
• IRS excise taxes
• Retro-payment of medical claims
• Litigation fees
• Failure to notify employees and dependents of COBRA rights

The administrative burden COBRA can place on your staff can be overwhelming and costly. Why would you want encumber your staff with tasks that shift their focus away from your core business?

P&A GROUP'S SOLUTION

Protect your bottom line by outsourcing this complex, time-consuming non-core administrative function. Our trained staff professionals will effectively manage the overwhelming burden of paperwork and perform all employee communication required by law.

For only a fraction of the cost of in-house administration, P&A assumes 100% of your liability and guarantees compliance with all regulations as stipulated by COBRA.Our administrative services include:

• COBRA Carrier Notifications
• Preparation and Distribution of Initial COBRA Notifications
• Introduction Letters to Current COBRA Continuants
• Takeover of Current COBRA Continuants
• Monthly Billing of Current COBRA Continuants
• Late Notice Letters to Current COBRA Continuants
• Initial COBRA Notification to Newly Benefit - Eligible Employees
• Qualifying Event Notification to New Qualifying Beneficiaries
• Conversion Notices
• Processing COBRA Elections & applications with applicable carriers
• Reconciliation of Invoices from Insurance Carriers
• Remittance of Premiums
• Cancellation with Carriers of COBRA Continuants for Past Due Accounts
• HIPAA Compliance / Certificates of Creditable Coverage
• Extension Notices
• Coordination of Open Enrollment for COBRA Continuants
• Department of Labor Audits
• Standard Reporting Package

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