How does HIPAA affect COBRA continuation coverage?
HIPAA is different than 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. A disabled individual (as determined under the Social Security Act) is entitled to 29 months of COBRA continuation coverage. Under prior law, the individual had to be disabled at the time of termination of employment or reduction in hours. Under HIPAA, an individual is entitled to 29 months of COBRA coverage if becoming disabled at any time during the first 60 days of COBRA coverage. The extension of continuation coverage to 29 months also is available to any nondisabled family members of the disabled individual who are entitled to COBRA continuation coverage. COBRA continuation coverage
HIPAA is different than 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. A disabled individual (as determined under the Social Security Act) is entitled to 29 months of COBRA continuation coverage. Under prior law, the individual had to be disabled at the time of termination of employment or reduction in hours. Under HIPAA, an individual is entitled to 29 months of COBRA coverage if he or she becomes disabled at any time during the first 60 days of COBRA coverage. The extension of continuation coverage to 29 months also is available to any non-disabled family members of the disabled individual who are entitled to COBRA continuation coverage. COBRA continuatio
