Does HIPAA affect COBRA continuation coverage?
Simply put, HIPAA is different from COBRA. HIPAA responsibilities do not eliminate or replace small employers’ responsibilities under COBRA, but there are some places where they can be coordinated. HIPAA makes three changes to COBRA’s continuation coverage, as described below. These changes were effective on January 1, 1997, regardless of when the event occurs that entitles the individual to continuation coverage.
