COBRA AFTER HEALTH CARE REFORM	Back to entire  webinar listing
	Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010 - 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT - COMPLETED
	In a way, "health care reform" began 25 years ago, with the coverage continuation requirements enacted as part of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (better known as "COBRA"). With the passage earlier this year of comprehensive health care reform, this is a good time to take stock of COBRA's place in the world of employer health plans. In this webinar, we'll provide a brief overview of COBRA's requirements, consider whether COBRA has any long-term future (in view of the ability to purchase coverage through the Exchanges starting in 2014), and then address several short-term implications for COBRA of comprehensive health care reform. These include the following:This webinar will address these two interconnected aspects of health care reform. How the calculation of COBRA rates may affect a plan’s “grandfathered” status Expected IRS guidance on the calculation of COBRA rates (for the purpose of W-2 reporting of the value of health coverage) Application of the Tax Code's nondiscrimination rules to subsidized COBRA coverage under insured health plans New restrictions on rescinding COBRA coverage Allowing COBRA beneficiaries to add adult children to their coverage
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	Presenters:
	Julia M. Vander Weele, Partner  Spencer Fane Britt & Browne LLP Julia Vander Weele, a partner with Spencer Fane, practices in the firm's Employee Benefits Group. She is also a member of the ERISA Litigation Group. Prior to joining Spencer Fane, Julia worked as in-house counsel for Fortis Benefits Insurance Company, where she managed ERISA litigation and advised senior management on other ERISA issues related to group disability, life, and dental products. She was also a Judicial Law Clerk for the 7th Judicial District of Iowa. Julia's practice focuses on ERISA and other laws governing employee benefits, including matters affecting pension, profit sharing, 401(k), cafeteria plans, and welfare plans. She has had significant experience providing employer training on HIPAA and ERISA issues, and has had substantial involvement in matters dealing with retiree health coverage and bankruptcy.
	Kenneth A. Mason, Partner, Spencer Fane Britt & Browne LLP Ken, a partner with the firm, heads the Employee Benefits Group. He concentrates on ERISA and other aspects of employee benefits law, including both tax and fiduciary issues, substantial involvement with retirement and welfare plans, executive deferred compensation, federal employment discrimination statutes, and issues unique to governmental and other tax-exempt employers. He clerked for U.S. District Judge Earl E. O'Connor before joining Spencer Fane. Ken is a Past-Chair of both the Employee Benefits Committee of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and the Employee Benefits Institute of Kansas City. He has been on the faculty of the American Bankers Association National Retirement Trust School and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America. Ken's lecture subjects have included executive deferred compensation, 401(k) nondiscrimination testing, COBRA compliance, benefit plan aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act, employee leave-sharing programs, and long-term care insurance.