Continuing Education Credits:
- HRCI – 2 HR(General) Credits
- SHRM – 2 PDC’s
Schedule: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Eastern Time
HR professionals, managers, and supervisors play a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). Understanding COBRA regulations and their application is essential to avoid legal pitfalls and ensure that employees receive the benefits they are entitled to. This training program is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of COBRA, including eligibility criteria, notification requirements, and the handling of qualifying events. By attending this training, HR professionals will be better equipped to manage COBRA administration, thereby reducing the risk of non-compliance and potential penalties.
Effective COBRA administration not only ensures legal compliance but also enhances the organization’s reputation as a responsible and employee-centric employer. Managers and supervisors who understand COBRA can support their HR teams more effectively by recognizing qualifying events and ensuring timely communication with employees. This training covers essential topics such as continuation coverage, premium calculations, and the interplay between COBRA and HIPAA, providing a well-rounded understanding of the complexities involved. Attendees will gain valuable insights into best practices for compliance and how to avoid common administrative challenges.
Finally, this program includes practical implementation strategies and real-life case studies, making it highly relevant for day-to-day operations. The interactive Q&A session will address specific participant concerns and provide practical tips for managing COBRA benefits effectively. By the end of the training, attendees will have a solid grasp of COBRA requirements and best practices, enabling them to handle COBRA administration confidently and competently. This knowledge is crucial for safeguarding the organization against compliance risks and ensuring that employees’ rights are protected.
Program Features
- Expert trainer with extensive HR experience and legal expertise
- Comprehensive coverage of essential HR topics and legal compliance requirements
- Interactive and engaging training format with practical examples and case studies
- Pre- and post-test to assess learning outcomes and measure program effectiveness
- Opportunity for Q&A and networking with peers and HR professionals
- Certificate of completion upon successful program completion
Why Attend This Training Program
- Comprehensive Understanding of COBRA: Gain an in-depth knowledge of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), its historical context, and legislative background, ensuring you can navigate and apply the regulations effectively within your organization.
- Effective COBRA Administration: Learn about employer responsibilities in providing COBRA notifications, including timelines and methods for delivering notices to qualifying beneficiaries, helping you to manage administrative tasks efficiently and accurately.
- Handling Qualifying Events: Understand the definition and examples of qualifying events that trigger COBRA rights, and learn how to handle different scenarios such as termination and reduction of hours, ensuring compliance and smooth administration.
- Continuation Coverage and Premium Calculations: Discover the intricacies of COBRA continuation coverage, including duration and scope, and learn how COBRA premiums are determined, providing you with the tools to manage costs and benefits effectively.
- Compliance Best Practices: Explore best practices for ensuring adherence to COBRA regulations, avoiding common pitfalls and compliance risks, and maintaining your organization’s legal standing.
Topics Covered
- Overview of COBRA
- COBRA Administration Responsibilities
- Employee Eligibility Criteria
- Types of Coverage
- Notification Requirements
- COBRA Premiums and Payments
- COBRA Compliance Audits
- Legal Considerations and Updates
- COBRA Alternatives and Extensions
- COBRA and Collective Bargaining Agreements
- COBRA During Mergers and Acquisitions
- Employee Communication and Education
- Handling COBRA Disputes and Appeals
- Technology and COBRA Administration
- COBRA and Small Businesses
- COBRA and Family Changes
- Ethical Considerations in COBRA Administration
- COBRA and Retirement Plans
- COBRA and Medicare
- Future Trends and Predictions in COBRA
Target Audience
- Current HR Directors: Professionals already holding HR Director positions seeking to update their skills and stay abreast of the latest COBRA regulations and practices in the field.
- Senior HR Managers: Experienced HR Managers looking to take the next step in their careers and prepare for roles at the director level with a strong understanding of COBRA administration.
- Aspiring HR Leaders: Individuals aiming to transition into senior HR roles, such as HR Directors or Vice Presidents of HR, and seeking the necessary skills and credentials in COBRA compliance.
- HR Business Partners: HR professionals who work closely with senior management and need to understand COBRA regulations and strategic HR management at a higher level.
- Talent Development Managers: Those responsible for employee development and succession planning who are looking to expand their strategic HR capabilities, including COBRA management.
- Organizational Development Professionals: Individuals focused on organizational change and development, looking to enhance their understanding of COBRA’s role in these processes.
- HR Consultants and Advisors: Independent consultants and advisors who provide strategic HR guidance to organizations and need to stay current with COBRA and industry best practices.
- Small Business Owners/CEOs: Leaders of small to medium-sized businesses who often take on HR responsibilities and need a deeper understanding of COBRA administration and compliance.
- HR Professionals in Transition: Individuals between roles or looking to shift their career path within HR, aiming to increase their marketability and job prospects with COBRA certification.
- HR Academics and Educators: Educators and researchers in the field of human resources or related fields looking to update their knowledge and incorporate current COBRA practices into their teaching and research.
- Non-HR Executives: Executives from other departments who collaborate closely with HR and need to understand the strategic importance and functions of COBRA within an organization.
- Employee Benefits Managers: Professionals managing employee benefits who need a thorough understanding of COBRA to ensure proper benefits administration and compliance.
- Compensation and Benefits Analysts: Analysts who focus on compensation and benefits structures, requiring knowledge of COBRA to accurately assess and manage costs and coverage.
- Legal and Compliance Officers: Legal professionals and compliance officers who need to stay updated on COBRA regulations to ensure organizational adherence to the law.
- HR Coordinators and Generalists: Early-career HR professionals looking to build a solid foundation in COBRA administration and compliance.
- Payroll Managers: Managers overseeing payroll who need to understand COBRA’s impact on payroll processes and benefits deductions.
- Health and Safety Managers: Professionals responsible for workplace health and safety who need to understand COBRA’s implications for employee health benefits.
- HR Technology Specialists: Specialists managing HR information systems who need to ensure COBRA compliance within their systems and processes.
- Union Representatives: Union leaders and representatives who need to understand COBRA to effectively advocate for their members’ rights and benefits.
- Recruiters and Talent Acquisition Specialists: Recruiters who need to understand the implications of COBRA for employee onboarding and offboarding processes.
Agenda
3:00 PM – 3:05 PM: Welcome and Introduction
- Opening remarks and program overview.
3:05 PM – 3:20 PM: Module 1 – Introduction to COBRA
- Overview of COBRA.
- COBRA Coverage.
3:20 PM – 3:40 PM: Module 2 – COBRA Administration
- Notification Requirements.
- Qualifying Events.
3:40 PM – 4:00 PM: Module 3 – COBRA Benefits and Costs
- Continuation Coverage.
- Premium Calculations.
4:00 PM – 4:20 PM: Module 4 – Compliance and Administration Challenges
- Compliance Best Practices.
- HIPAA and COBRA Interplay.
4:20 PM – 4:50 PM: Module 5 – Practical Implementation and Case Studies
- Case Study Analysis.
- Practical Tips for HR Professionals.
4:50 PM – 5:00 PM: Q&A Session
- Open floor for questions and discussion
- Closing remarks and certification information