Health Benefits Advisor for Employers

Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

When your plan administrator denies a request from an individual for COBRA coverage relating to a qualifying event, second qualifying event, or determination of disability by the Social Security Administration, does the plan provide that individual with an explanatory notice of unavailability of COBRA coverage within 14 days after the request is received?

• Yes
• No

Notice of Unavailability of Continuation Coverage

Group health plans may sometimes deny a request for COBRA coverage, including an extension of coverage, when the plan administrator determines the requester is not entitled to receive it.

When a plan administrator makes the decision to deny a request for COBRA coverage from an individual, the plan must give the individual a notice of unavailability of COBRA coverage. The notice must be provided within 14 days after the request is received relating to a qualifying event, second qualifying event, or determination of disability by the Social Security Administration, and the notice must explain the reason for denying the request.