Employer COBRA notice requirements refer to the regulations set by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) that employers must follow when providing notifications to employees regarding their continuation of health insurance coverage after leaving the company's employment. Under COBRA, employers with 20 or more employees are mandated to offer employees and their dependents the opportunity to continue their health insurance benefits for a limited period of time, usually up to 18 months, in certain qualifying events such as termination of employment, reduction in work hours, or a dependent losing their eligibility. To meet these requirements, employers must provide various notices to employees at different stages of the COBRA process. The types of COBRA notice include: 1. General Notice: This notice must be provided to employees and their dependents within 90 days of their coverage becoming effective. It explains their rights under COBRA, including the right to continue coverage, the duration of coverage, and the cost associated with COBRA continuation. 2. Qualifying Event Notice: When a qualifying event occurs, such as termination of employment or reduction in work hours, employers must provide a notice to the employee and their dependents within a certain timeframe (e.g. 44 days). This notice details the specific event and provides instructions on how to elect COBRA coverage. 3. Notice of Unavailability: If an individual is not eligible for COBRA continuation due to certain circumstances, such as the employer terminating the group health plan or the individual not being a qualified beneficiary, the employer must provide a written Notice of Unavailability explaining why COBRA is not available. 4. Notice of Early Termination: In some cases, COBRA coverage may end before the maximum duration due to certain circumstances such as non-payment of premiums or becoming entitled to Medicare benefits. In such instances, employers must provide a Notice of Early Termination to notify the individual of the premature termination of their COBRA coverage. It is crucial for employers to comply with these COBRA notice requirements to avoid potential penalties and legal consequences. These notices should be clear, concise, and easily understandable to ensure employees and their dependents are aware of their rights and options for continued health insurance coverage.