The Latest: COBRA Subsidies and New COBRA Election Rights COBRA subsidy – Similar to legislation adopted in 2009 in response to the Great Recession, ARPA includes provisions that provide for a 100% subsidy of COBRA group health plan premiums (including premiums for continuation coverage under state "mini-COBRA" statutes) for "assistance eligible individuals" (AEIs). AEIs are qualified beneficiaries who experience a COBRA election right in connection with an involuntary termination of employment or a reduction in hours and who are (or will be) receiving COBRA coverage at any point from April 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021 (the Subsidy Period). The premium subsidy is available for COBRA coverage during the entire Subsidy Period or, if earlier, until the AEI (i) loses COBRA coverage, (ii) becomes eligible for Medicare or (iii) becomes eligible for other group health plan coverage (but not including for this purpose excepted benefits or coverage under a qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangement or a health care flexible spending account).