IRS Provides Guidance on COBRA Subsidies Created by the American Rescue Plan

IRS Guidance - COBRA.png

On May 18, 2021, the IRS issued Notice 2021-31, which provides guidance on the COBRA subsidy created by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Notice 2021-31 provides guidance for employers, plan administrators, and health insurers regarding the new credit available to them for providing continuation health coverage to certain individuals under COBRA.

The guidance includes an overview and explanation of the subsidy, and provides an FAQ which includes 86 responses covering the following topics:

  • Calculating and Claiming the Tax Credit

  • Eligibility

  • Allowed Types of Coverage for Assistance

  • Involuntary Terminations

  • Beginning and Ending Period for Assistance

  • Extended Election Periods

  • Application of State Mini-COBRA Rules

‍The full IRS notice which includes the FAQ can be found here.

The ARPA subsidy covers 100% of COBRA and state mini-COBRA premiums from April 1 through September 30, 2021, for certain COBRA eligible individuals whose hours were reduced or whose employment was involuntarily terminated. Employers pay the premium up front and are reimbursed via tax credit on quarterly taxes.

Additional Information

For additional information on COBRA and the ARPRA subsidy, please contact us at service@ebiteam.com and the EBI Compliance Department will be in touch to further assist you.

Derek Owens