COBRA Premium Subsidy Extended Again PDF

Under the "Continuing Extension Act of 2010", Congress has extended the 65% COBRA premium subsidy, which will now apply to involuntary terminations occurring on or before May 31, 2010 (rather than March 31, 2010).

Review of COBRA Subsidy Denial PDF

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) package included a temporary 65% federal premium subsidy for individuals becoming entitled to COBRA coverage due to an employee's involuntary termination of employment. Congress recognized, however, that the purpose of this subsidy could be undermined if disputes between employers & their former employees as to the subsidy's availability took months or even years to resolve. Accordingly, Congress provides that any such dispute would be resolved by a federal agency: the DoL for private employer plans subject to the federal COBRA provisions; the DoHHS for governmental plans & small insured plans covered by state "mini- COBRA" statutes. These agencies are to resolve such disputes within 15 days.
DoL: Instructions for Application for Expedited Reveiw of Denial of COBRA Premium Reduction
DoL: Application for Expedited Reveiw of Denial of COBRA Premium Reduction
Dept of Labor: COBRA Review Application - Submission

IRS: 2010 HSA & HDHP Dollar Amounts PDF

Assuming a health savings account ("HSA") is paired with a high deductible health plan ("HDHP"), an individual's contributions to the HSA are tax-deductible. Section 223 of the Tax Code specifies a maximum annual HSA contribution, as well as both a minimum annual deductible and a maximum annual out-of-pocket amount for an HDHP. These calendar-year amounts are subject to annual inflation adjustments, based on the increase in the consumer price index ("CPI") during the 12-month period ending on the prior March 31st. This adjustment schedule allows each year's dollar amounts to be known in advance of the annual enrollment period for that year.

New I-9 Form now in Effect PDF

US employers are required to use the revised I-9 form, identified by the 2/20/09 revision date, to verify the employment eligibility of all new hires and reverifications. The revised I-9 form is available at uscis.gov (US Citizenship & Imigration Services).

Dept of Labor: COBRA Compliance Notices PDF

The Department of Labor issued model COBRA Premium subsidy notices. Four different model notices along with an an additional set of FAQs are available on the Dept. of Labor website. Dept of Labor: COBRA-ARRA information

ARRA: COBRA Premium Subsidy PDF

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) provides for premium reductions and additional election opportunities for health benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, commonly called COBRA. ARRA (the ’Stimulus’) includes 65% COBRA Premium subsidy.
Dept of Labor: COBRA-ARRA information

Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act PDF

The Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act becomes law. PDF includes information on the history, congressional action, the effects of the new law, and practical steps employers may want to consider in going forward. A copy of the public law can be saved as a PDF from the GPO here.

Women's Health & Cancer Right Act (WHCRA) PDF

Annual Notice Reminder & sample memo.
WHCRA FAQ & U.S. Dept of Labor Pamphlet

Michelle's Law (HR 2851) PDF

Extends elegibility for college-age Dependents HR 2851: GPO pdf

Heroes Earnings Assistance & Relief Tax (HEART) Act PDF

Special Access to unused Health FSA Balances.
HEART Act (Public law 110-245)