COBRA and HIPAA

The complexities of health plan regulatory compliance can burden benefits managers with routine administrative tasks that can hinder effective interaction with their employees. Independence Administrators alleviates the burden with administrative support services so that human resources and benefits managers can focus on their core accountabilities.

COBRA and HIPAA Administration

COBRA , the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, requires most employers with group health plans to offer employees the opportunity to continue their health care coverage temporarily under their employer’s plan if their coverage would otherwise cease due to termination, layoff, or other changes in employment status (qualifying event).

Our COBRA services include:

• comprehensive administration and communication materials;
• notification to qualified beneficiaries;
• premium billing, collection, and remittance;
• eligibility maintenance;
• reporting;
• customer service for COBRA participants.

HIPAA , the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, provides rights and protections for participants and beneficiaries in group health plans, such as limits on exclusions for preexisting conditions, protection against discrimination based on health status, and the opportunity to enroll in a new plan or to purchase individual coverage.

Independence Administrators supports HIPAA portability by providing Certificates of Creditable Coverage.