Subsidy Period

ARP COBRA Subsidy

Subsidy Period

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COBRA Subsidy Period is Apr. – Sept. 2021

COBRA subsidy ends the earliest of:

Federal COBRA or state continuation maximum coverage period (from the original qualifying event date) expires

Individual becomes eligible for group health plan coverage or Medicare

Sept. 30, 2021

QBs are required to notify employer of eligibility for group health plan coverage or Medicare

  • Fine of $250 for failure to notify
  • Increased to repayment of the premium if failure to notify was intentional
  • Penalty may be forgiven for reasonable cause

Interaction with the Outbreak Period

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  • Individuals who triggered a COBRA continuation right prior to Apr. 2021 might be able to take advantage of Outbreak Period extension and COBRA subsidy.
  • Individuals who elect the COBRA subsidy Apr. – Sept. 2021 cannot be required to elect or pay for COBRA retroactively (but could choose to do so if still in their extended window)

Involuntary Termination of Employment

Original COBRA Election Deadline

Extended COBRA Election Deadline

Maxiumum Coverage Period Ends

Feb. 3, 2020

Mar. 1, 2020

Apr. 30, 2020

Apr. 1, 2021

Apr. 30, 2021

Aug. 31, 2021

Original COBRA Date

(Coverage available only if retroactive premiums paid)

COBRA Subsidy Available

COBRA Subsidy Ends