COBRA

Continuation Services

Benefit Continuation

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA)

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) requires employers to extend group health benefits to employees (and their families) who lose health benefits due to specific qualifying events.

When you choose TASC to administer COBRA you will see considerable cost savings over administering in-house. We offer easy-to-use online tools and services for complete plan management 24/7.

TASC's COBRA Administration

Reduce your risk and liability

COBRA administration features that benefit you:

Access comprehensive web portal and mobile app.
Track service requests and check service activity.
Access easy-to-understand account reports.
Manage the collection of COBRA premium payments.
Access reports, forms, and online submissions.
Access to experienced employee benefits professionals.

BENEFIT CONTINUATION

Retiree billing

Retiree Billing aids employers in offering employees the opportunity to “continue” benefits when they retire. The benefits most frequently continued are usually similar to those covered by COBRA such as healthcare related coverages. Plans can also include other benefits such as life and disability insurance policies.

Providing robust retirement options enables clients to retain valuable employees. Retiree Billing is an essential tool for creating comprehensive retirement plans. TASC can alleviate the administrative burden for employers, allowing them to focus on their business while securing employee loyalty.

Our solution includes:

Enrollment assistance and materials.
Retiree assistance and customer care.
Review of company retiree policies.
Management of plan eligibility.
Multiple methods available for collecting premiums from the retiree.
Seamless coordination with insurance carriers.

Why TASC Continuation & Benefits Combined?

Stress-free
transitions

One platform streamlines benefits for employers and departing employees. TASC continuation customers have easy access to an ‘Endless Aisle’ of benefit accounts to meet the needs of a diverse workforce in different stages of life and phases of employment.

Employees facing job changes can seamlessly access existing accounts and explore new options, all in one place. This saves everyone time, reduces stress, and ensures a smooth transition during potentially disruptive, and liability-prone events.

One Platform for Everything

Continuation administration requires significant time and resources. Having a benefit account and continuation on the same single platform makes the transition seamless, offering significant savings on both. Furthermore, TASC is held to higher security requirements as the Federal Government is one of our customers, and this security standard cascades to you.

Peace of Mind

Continuation regulations are complex and can be challenging to navigate. Our technology enables us to respond quickly in this highly regulated industry ensuring all transactions are processed with efficiency, and within the law, minimizing potential liability. We stand behind our offering with $1,000,000 in hold-harmless protection for our customers.

Participants Pay Their Way

Your continuation participants can use their credit/debit card for premium payments, set up auto-pay or print coupons— all “on the go” with the app!

BENEFIT CONTINUATION

State continuation

State Continuation Coverage refers to state specific laws that have been enacted that require employers within that state to allow employees to continue healthcare benefits after they experience qualifying events. Qualifying events are often similar to those provided for in COBRA.

State continuation laws do not and cannot reduce any of the COBRA federally mandated benefits for employers with 20 or more full-time equivalent employees (FTE).

However, if a state law is more favorable for individuals, then state law supersedes or can add on to COBRA. State laws provide additional requirements for the employers that are subject to those laws.
Generally State Continuation laws govern employers that are within the state where the insurance policies are written.
State Continuation only applies to employers who are fully insured.

Keeping up with regulatory requirements and changes can be time consuming and costly. And, if an employer misses a step, the fines and litigation expenses can add up quickly. TASC can help employers remain compliant and take administrative work off their plate so they can get back to doing what they do best, running their business.

BENEFIT CONTINUATION

Direct billing

Direct Billing provides employers a mechanism for their employees to continue their benefits if for some reason they would normally come to an end. This program is used to bill employees for some or all of the costs of their benefits that are being continued and can be anything associated to a plan and premium.

TASC can help with billing and administration for the continuation of benefits, based on the criteria or program established by the employer.

BENEFIT CONTINUATION

Leave of absence

Leave of Absence (LOA) aids in offering employees the opportunity to “continue” benefits when they will be away from their job for a period of time, which can help employers retain valuable employees.

Note: For clarification, Leave of Absence for Continuation Service and Leave of Absence for FMLA, except for the name are two totally different topics.

Holding on to key employees is getting tougher and tougher in today’s job market. When they have to leave their employer for a short period of time, Leave of Absence is a tool that can help employers retain key employees. TASC can help take the administrative work off their plate and help them hold onto key employees while they take care of running their business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is COBRA and who qualifies for it?

COBRA is a federal law that allows employees and their families to continue health coverage after losing benefits due to job-related changes such as termination or reduced hours. Qualifying events include voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in hours worked, transition between jobs, death, and divorce.

What are the benefits of offering Retiree Billing services?

Retiree Billing ensures that former employees are able to maintain their health coverage until Medicare enrollment or beyond. This provides significant peace of mind for retirees and can be a great retention tool for your employees.

How does Direct Billing work for employees on leave?

Direct Billing allows employees on leave to maintain their benefits through easy premium payments on the TASC website or by mail. Even when not receiving a paycheck, employees can ensure continuous benefits and reduce your administrative burden.

What are the key differences between federal COBRA and state continuation laws?

Federal COBRA applies to employers with 20 or more employees, while state continuation laws often cover smaller employers with fewer than 20 employees. The specifics of continuation coverage can vary by state in the areas of election timeframe, benefits covered, payment timeframe, and continuation length. Simplify your compliance by utilizing our third-party administrative services.

For how long can TASC’s continuation services assist me?

In cases of COBRA administration, we can assist for up to the federally mandated 36 months. For state continuation administration, assistance can be provided indefinitely. Many of our retiree billing clients use our services to assist their retirees for years and direct billing can be indefinite in nature. Let us help you sort through these challenging administration programs.