The COBRA Blog

CASE LAW: “I Never Got My COBRA Notice” Why Your Records Decide the Case

Debra Mootz — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:04:06 GMT

When a former employee says a COBRA notice never arrived, courts don’t ask whether it was received. They ask whether you can prove it was sent. A recent federal decision shows what that proof looks like.

LEGISLATIVE CHANGES! Going Digital: DOL Proposes a New E-Delivery Safe Harbor for Group Health Plans

Debra Mootz — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:00:55 GMT

On July 23, 2026, the Department of Labor published a proposed rule that would give group health plans a new, additional way to furnish required ERISA disclosures electronically. It adds to the existing 2002 “wired at work” safe harbor rather than replacing it.

Before Replacing Your COBRA Administrator: Transitions, Hidden Costs, and Your Checklist (Part 2 of 2)

Debra Mootz — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:53:53 GMT

In the first article, we looked at what “carrier-provided COBRA administration” typically includes—and where gaps can occur when responsibilities are unclear or handoffs are inconsistent. Here we address two more considerations employers and brokers should weigh before making a change: carrier transitions and the real meaning of “FREE” COBRA administration. We close with a practical checklist you can use at renewal or during a carrier change.

Before Replacing Your COBRA Administrator: What Carrier-Provided COBRA Really Covers (Part 1 of 2)

Debra Mootz — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 20:49:41 GMT

We understand why employers ask this question—particularly fully insured employers evaluating carrier-provided COBRA administration. A carrier may offer to “handle COBRA,” and on the surface it can sound like one less vendor to manage. Before making a change, however, it is important to confirm what is included, what is not, and which responsibilities may shift back to the employer’s HR team or broker.

The COBRA Timeline: Every Deadline Employers Need to Know

Debra Mootz — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 14:16:47 GMT

When it comes to COBRA administration, timing matters.

A qualifying event may seem straightforward: an employee leaves the company, loses coverage and becomes eligible for COBRA continuation coverage. But behind that event is a series of notices, election periods and payment deadlines that must be handled correctly.

For HR teams, missing a step or acting too late can create unnecessary compliance risk. And because responsibility for certain deadlines may fall on the employer, the COBRA Administrator, or the or qualified beneficiary, knowing who needs to act, and when is essential.

What Triggers A COBRA Audit? Warning Signs Employers Should Know:

Debra Mootz — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 14:05:52 GMT

COBRA compliance is often viewed as a routine administrative task until an investigation or legal claim reveals costly mistakes. While there is no formal federal "COBRA audit program" that randomly reviews employers, COBRA compliance does get reviewed during broader DOL/EBSA benefit plan investigations, and it can also surface through IRS/excise tax exposure and lawsuits.

Why COBRA Confuses Employees (and How Employers Can Fix It)

Debra Mootz — Tue, 26 May 2026 13:33:32 GMT

COBRA is one of those benefits that’s critically important, but widely misunderstood. For employees, it often shows up during stressful life moments like job loss or reduced hours. For employers, that confusion can quickly turn into frustration, compliance risks, and an increase of questions your HR team has to field.

iTEDIUM Managed Services Division: Support You Can Count On

Debra Mootz — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:15:27 GMT

COBRA administration is detail-driven, deadline-sensitive, and highly visible to participants. When it runs smoothly, it builds confidence. When it doesn’t, it creates confusion fast.

Avoiding COBRA Penalties: Six Small Errors That Create Big Liability

Debra Mootz — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:32:23 GMT

COBRA may not be glamorous, but the penalties are very real. The good news is that most costly COBRA problems come from a handful of small mistakes. Tighten these up, and you dramatically lower your risk!

Year-End COBRA Readiness: December Guidance for HR Teams

Debra Mootz — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 21:56:59 GMT

As we close out the year, HR professionals managing COBRA face unique challenges—finalizing participant records, ensuring compliance, and preparing a seamless transition into the new year. At iTEDIUM, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way. Here’s what you can do this December to ensure your COBRA administration is in top shape: