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CCH® BENEFITS — 03/17/10

COBRA Subsidy Information Will Highlight COBRA Continuation Of Coverage Survey

from Spencer’s Benefits Reports: Spencer’s Benefits Reports is now collecting information for its 2010 COBRA Health Care Continuation of Coverage Survey. Survey forms are available online (visit http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB22A6JEFSRSH to complete the survey).

Spencer’s Benefits Reports has been collecting and analyzing COBRA survey information since 1990. This year’s survey requests information concerning the costs, administrative procedures, and problems associated with COBRA and the COBRA subsidy initiated in 2009. The information reported will be collated and published in Spencer’s Research Reports On Employee Benefits , Spencer’s Benefits Reports on the Internet, and Spencer’s Compliance Guide For Health And Benefit Plans. In addition, all survey participants who request it will receive a free copy of the published survey.

The COBRA continuation of coverage survey is an important source of benefits information for benefit plan administrators nationwide and is regularly quoted in national and government publications. It is the longest-running national COBRA survey. The 2010 survey will include the impact from the 65% COBRA subsidy, which began in 2009.

According to earlier Spencer surveys, about 20% of beneficiaries eligible for COBRA actually elect the coverage. On average, COBRA claims costs average 150% of active employee claims costs. Administrative costs average less than $30 per month.

As a special thank you, everyone who completes the survey and includes a name and email address will be entered in a drawing to win one of three $100 American Express gift certificates. The deadline to complete the survey is April 27.

To take part in the new 2010 survey, simply visit http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB22A6JEFSRSH.

For more information on this and related topics, consult the CCH Pension Plan Guide, CCH Employee Benefits Management, and Spencer's Benefits Reports.

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