When did the COBRA subsidy end?

Asked by: Jessy Smitham Jr.  |  Last update: December 18, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (23 votes)

When does the COBRA premium subsidy end? The AEIs' subsidies end on the earlier of: (1) September 30, 2021, (2) the date the AEIs reach the end of their maximum COBRA continuation coverage period, or (3) the date the AEIs become eligible for Medicare or another group health plan.

Did COBRA subsidy expire?

In August 2021, notices were sent to qualifying individuals informing them that the premium assistance credit would end as of September 30, 2021.

When did the ARPA COBRA subsidy end?

The COBRA ARPA Subsidy Expires September 30, 2021, and With It Comes One Last Deadline. Another pandemic-related employee benefit is coming to an end. Since April 1, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) has provided a subsidy for certain individuals to receive continuation coverage under COBRA.

Was the COBRA subsidy extended?

Currently, COBRA premiums are fully subsidized through September 30, 2021, and the bill extends the subsidy through September 30, 2022. The bill also provides for expedited review of denials of eligibility for such assistance.

When did premium assistance for COBRA continuation coverage expire?

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) provides for a 100% COBRA premium subsidy for up to six months, from April 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021, for Assistance Eligible Individuals (AEIs) as defined under the guidance.

The End of the COBRA Subsidy

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Has COBRA been extended beyond 18 months?

As of January 1, 2003, the extension period for Cal-COBRA has been changed from 18 months to 36 months. If you become eligible for Cal-COBRA after January 1, 2003, you will have the benefit of Cal-COBRA coverage for a full 36 months instead of the prior 18-month coverage extension.

How does the new COBRA subsidy work?

The COBRA subsidy employer tax credit is intended to offset the employer's Medicare tax liability. It is a fully refundable tax credit, meaning that employers can receive a refund from the IRS if the available credit exceeds their Medicare tax liability for the quarter.

What is a COBRA premium subsidy?

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 contains the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) premium assistance provisions that expand COBRA eligibility and provide eligible individuals with a 65 percent reduction of their COBRA premiums for up to 9 months.

Will Biden pay for COBRA?

The federal government will pay 100 percent of COBRA insurance premiums for eligible employees who lost their jobs and for their covered relatives through September, allowing them to stay on their company-sponsored health plan, under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that President Joe Biden signed into law on March ...

Did the ARPA get extended?

Regular readers know that the ARPA enhancements were temporary and scheduled to phase out at the end of 2022 unless extended by Congress. The IRA completes that task and extends these subsidies for an additional three years—for 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Has ARPA expired?

Currently, the ARP premium tax credits are set to expire at the end of 2022.

Was ARPA COBRA extended?

On March 11, 2021, the ARP was enacted. Section 9501 of the ARP provides for temporary COBRA premium assistance for certain “Assistance Eligible Individuals”8 for periods of coverage beginning on or after April 1, 2021, through periods of coverage beginning on or before September 30, 2021.

How do employers get reimbursed for COBRA subsidy?

30, 2021. Employers typically provided the COBRA premium assistance and sought reimbursement by claiming a tax credit on their quarterly employment taxes. For faster reimbursement, employers could reduce their employment tax deposits or request an advance of the credit.

Are COBRA subsidies taxable?

Taxable Options: COBRA subsidies are taxable if the employer provides funds directly to individuals without requiring substantiation.

When did the COBRA subsidy start?

The subsidy is equal to 100% of the cost of COBRA coverage (including the 2% administration fee) for qualified beneficiaries who will lose or have already lost employer-provided coverage due to involuntary separation from employment or reduced work hours. The subsidy is only available from April through September 2021.

Who is eligible for ARPA COBRA subsidy?

Q: Who is eligible for the ARP COBRA subsidy? A: Only Assistance Eligible Individuals (AEIs) may receive the subsidy. The ARP defines an AEI as a COBRA qualified beneficiary (QB) who: Lost plan coverage due to a reduction in hours or an involuntary termination of employment; and.

What does 100 COBRA subsidies mean?

The 100% COBRA subsidy applies to the underlying medical coverage, dental and vision plans. Participants may still be responsible for premiums if they elect coverage for an FSA (or other benefits being offered post-employment).

Why is my COBRA premium so high?

While you were employed, the employer may have paid some or all of the premium for yourself and covered dependents. Once you go on COBRA, you pay the entire premium plus a 2% administration fee.

How do I claim COBRA premium assistance credit?

Request a Refund for Amounts Paid in COBRA Premiums Exceeding Federal Employment Tax Liability: The employer may claim the Credit through an employment tax refund on the applicable employment tax return, generally Form 941, Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return.

Is COBRA subsidy reported on w2?

When you're ready to report, the value of employer-sponsored health coverage is to be reported in Box 12 of the W-2, using the code “DD.” What are the COBRA guidelines? You are not required to report the value of coverage provided for a COBRA participant.

Does COBRA qualify for premium tax credit?

Does my eligibility for COBRA or other continuation coverage affect my eligibility for premium tax credits or cost-sharing assistance in the Marketplace? No, Just being eligible for COBRA doesn't affect your eligibility for premium tax credits or cost-sharing assistance if you enroll in a Marketplace plan.

Can COBRA last longer than 36 months?

When consumers elect COBRA continuation coverage due to termination of employment or a reduction of hours, they are generally allowed up to an additional 18 months of group health coverage. In certain circumstances, consumers may extend COBRA continuation coverage up to an additional 36 months of group health coverage.

Is COBRA 18 or 36 months?

You can collect COBRA benefits for up to 18 months. This may be extended to 36 months under certain circumstances. If your employer has 20 or more employees, it must follow COBRA rules. COBRA coverage follows a "qualifying event".

How long does COBRA last if I quit my job?

COBRA coverage lets you pay to stay on your job-based health insurance for a limited time after your job ends (usually 18 months). You usually pay the full premium yourself, plus a small administrative fee.