[MyOEBB] Next Steps - ARPA COBRA Subsidy ending Sept. 30

[MyOEBB system updates]

Dear OEBB Benefits Administrators, Business Managers, and Premium Contacts:





On behalf of all OEBB staff, thank you for your quick turnaround on the COBRA subsidy eligibility files and payment on the monthly invoices!



As you are aware, the COBRA subsidy included in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) is coming to an end on September 30, 2021.  Note that you may still receive eligibility files and invoices through November for September eligibility. This is because members who had a qualifying event in August with eligibility for COBRA in September have 60 days to elect the COBRA subsidy.







Recap of the Eligibility and Invoicing Process



The eligibility verification and invoicing process remains the same:



*         OEBB will send your list to you for updates and review. Please indicate the termination reason (involuntary, voluntary, reduction in hours) and return. OEBB will send the list to BHS for processing.

*         OEBB will distribute the invoices to the appropriate employers.

*         Each employer will send the premium (payment) to OEBB. It's very important that the payment be sent within 10-15 days of the receipt of the invoice.



How to Request Reimbursement

Attached to this email is the IRS guidance for employers to request reimbursement for COBRA subsidy payments through payroll tax credits. You will need to request credits from the IRS for COBRA subsidy payments using the attached guidance.



For more information on the subsidy and related questions, please:

  *   visit the Department of Labor web site at https://www.dol.gov/cobra-subsidy, or
  *   call the EBSA (Employee Benefits Security Administration) at 866-444-3272 or visit their website askebsa.dol.gov<https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa/about-ebsa/ask-a-question/ask-ebsa>.


If you have questions about

  *   eligibility for the subsidy, please call BHS at 1-800-556-2230.
  *   the process we have described here, please email Sheila Clausen, OEBB/PEBB Policy Analyst at: SHEILA.C.CLAUSEN at dhsoha.state.or.us<mailto:SHEILA.C.CLAUSEN at dhsoha.state.or.us>.



Regards,

Ali Hassoun
Director
Oregon Educators Benefit Board / Public Employees' Benefit Board
Oregon Health Authority - Health Policy & Analytics
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