COBRA Challenges During COVID-19 Pandemic

Edward A. Wodarczyk, Esq., ewodarczyk@tuckerlaw.com, (412) 594-3920

Violating COBRA can be expensive with penalties of up to $110 per day per violation. COBRA compliance has become more challenging with COBRA deadlines being extended during the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, if someone received a COBRA election notice on or after March 1 of this year, the 60-day period for electing COBRA doesn’t begin until 60 days after the COVID-19 National Emergency Period ends.  For those who have elected COBRA, the 30-day period for making COBRA premium payments during the pandemic doesn’t begin until 60 days after the COVID-19 National Emergency Period ends.  For a copy of FAQs issued by the DOL about the extended deadlines, see DOL FAQs.