Defining COBRA Occurrence Types

An occurrence is an event that allows an employee or the employee's qualified beneficiaries to continue benefit coverage. Examples of an occurrence include divorce, separation, death, termination, reduction in working hours, or a dependent whose age exceeds the plan definition of a dependent.

Define the occurrences and the number of months coverage extends for each occurrence. In addition, you can assign standard letters to occurrences.

To define COBRA occurrence types

  1. Access COBRA Occurrence Types (BN00.3).
  2. Select the Company.
  3. Type the maximum number of months you want coverage to extend for multiple occurrences, in the Multiple Events Maximum field.
  4. Use the following guidelines to enter field values:
    Type

    Type the code that represents the kind of occurrence.

    Event

    If you will be sending HIPAA EDI transactions, select an event for each occurrence type.

    If you will not be sending HIPAA EDI transactions, leave this field blank.

    Description

    Type the occurrence description. For example, reduction in working hours.

    Months

    Type the number of months that COBRA participant coverage extends for this occurrence. For example, 18 months after a reduction in working hours.

    Letter

    Select a standard letter if you want to send a standard letter to people with this occurrence. A standard letter can be defined using Standard Letter (BN05).

  5. Select the Add form function.

Related Reports and Inquiries

To Use
Define standard letters Standard Letter (BN05.1)