What are the new ARP COBRA notice requirements? This model is used to provide advance notification when an individual’s COBRA subsidy is about to expire. This can be tricky for those receiving a second election notice, in which case the start date is April 1 but the end date can vary. The Department of Labor recently issued FAQs addressing basic questions regarding the American Rescue Plan Act’s requirement that employers and … On April 7, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released guidance and model notices on an information webpage regarding ARPA's COBRA subsidy program. Though employers still await COBRA premium subsidy regulations, including guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on claiming reimbursements, on April 7, 2021, the DOL's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued guidance in the form of frequently asked questions (FAQs), which provides clarity in certain areas. .dol-alert-status-error .alert-status-container {display:inline;font-size:1.4em;color:#e31c3d;} “The guidance and notices issued today will help to inform individuals entitled to the COBRA premium assistance about the assistance available to them.” The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to ensuring that individuals receive the benefits to which they are entitled under the ARP. General COBRA FAQs for Workers. What is the deadline to provide this notice? The notice also includes information about pubic exchange plans, ARPA’s increased premium tax credits, and the effect of COBRA coverage — and subsidy eligibility — on premium tax credit eligibility. On April 7, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a link to its webpage dedicated to the COBRA premium assistance authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARPA), the third COVID-19 stimulus bill. Wednesday, April 21, 2021. In substance, ARP eliminates the cost of COBRA coverage for the next six months. If you have questions regarding your eligibility for ARP premium subsidies, or questions regarding these model notices, … (For an overview of the subsidy program, see COBRA subsidies in COVID-19 rescue plan require employer action, March 29, 2021.). A New COBRA Subsidy Until September 30, 2021 for Involuntary Terminations. However, those AEIs do not have to elect COBRA retroactive to the date on which they were initially eligible for COBRA. Note that a participant’s entitlement to the subsidy may end earlier than September 30, 2021, if the participant’s COBRA … DOL Issues Model Notices, FAQs for COBRA Subsidy in the ARPA On April 7, 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued FAQs and model notices for the COBRA premium assistance provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). This model is for all qualified beneficiaries with a qualifying event between April 1 and Sept. 30 — even those ineligible for the subsidy because an event other than involuntary job loss or reduced hours triggered the COBRA right. Model Notices. Department of Labor Provides Model Subsidized COBRA Notices and Additional Guidance . The one-page summary includes eligibility criteria, the 60-day election deadline, and the requirement for subsidy recipients to inform the group health plan of eligibility for other group health plan coverage or Medicare (and the penalty for failure to inform).