To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog: On April 7, 2021, the Department of Labor (“DOL) released a series of Frequently Asked Questions with clarifying information about the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021’s (“ARPA”) extended subsidy period for COBRA premium assistance. (Our alert on the ARPA’s COBRA subsidy and other substantive provisions of the ARPA that impact employers can be found here.) The ARPA provides for a 100% COBRA premium subsidy for up to six months (during the subsidy period of April 1, 2021 until September 30, 2021) for eligible employees who lost insurance coverage due to an involuntary reduction in hours or involuntary termination. The ARPA also requires employers to notify impacted employees – those who lost their group health coverage due to a qualifying event on or after November 1, 2019, and who elected COBRA, did not elect COBRA, or let it lapse – that they may be eligible for the COBRA premium subsidy. Employees who receive the notice will then have 60 days after receipt of the notice to elect COBRA coverage.