BeneFLEX HR Resources Inc.

About COBRA.

Congress passed the landmark Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) health benefit provisions in 1986. COBRA provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, former spouses, and dependent children the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. Group health plans for employers with 20 or more employees on more than 50 percent of its typical business days in the previous calendar year are subject to COBRA. Both full- and part-time employees are counted to determine whether a plan is subject to COBRA. 

Cal-COBRA, a California law that is like Federal COBRA, applies to employers and group health plans that cover 2 to 19 employees.

Overview.

BeneFLEX COBRA brings you a complete solution for your COBRA Administration including expert advice, administration, and top-notch customer service. 

Services:

• Qualifying Event Notification with proof of mailing to qualified beneficiaries.
• Two HIPAA Certificate of Coverage notifications—with COBRA Qualifying Event Notification and following termination of COBRA.
• Update notifications as required by amendments to regulations to covered employees, COBRA participants and employers.
• Submit New Hire/Termination Transmittals through BeneFLEX's secure website.
• Termination Notification to COBRA participant upon non-payment of premium or end-of-COBRA term. 
• Billing, tracking, premium collection, and remittance to the employer.
• Notify the employer of any discrepancies or conditions which may require action by the employer.
• Notify the employer of participant non-payment of premium at the end of the same month (Employer must notify the carrier.)
• Send Open Enrollment material to qualified beneficiaries (QB) if provided by employer or broker.

Enrollment:

The Intent to Enroll Form must be completed and submitted to BeneFLEX with a check for set up fees. Upon receipt of the Intent to Enroll Form and check, BeneFLEX will send an electronic Employer Launch Kit containing the following: 

1. COBRA Set Up Form: The Set Up Form must be completed with group information, carriers, plans, and rates. The Set Up form should be submitted 30 days prior to the effective date.

2. COBRA Spreadsheet: The Excel spreadsheet must be completed in its entirety for all QBs, QBs in their waiting period, and current COBRA participants. The current employee worksheet should only be completed if the employer requests Initial Notices to be sent to all current, active employees (additional $1.95/notice applies).

3. New Hire/Termination Transmittals: Access your company’s forms online through BeneFLEX's secure web site to submit new hires and terminations.

About COBRA and Cal-COBRA.

• COBRA FAQ's
• Cal-COBRA
• BeneFLEX COBRA Administration Employer Brochure

Contact Information.

BeneFLEX HR Resources:
Phone: (800) 631.3539, option 1