The US Department of Labor recently published answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) and model notices for the new COBRA premium subsidy made available to many employees and their dependents under the American Rescue Plan Act. As explained in an earlier post, the new law allows “assistance eligible individuals” (AEIs) – defined as COBRA qualified  beneficiaries who had a qualifying event due to a reduction in hours or an involuntary termination of employment, and who elect coverage – to receive fully subsidized COBRA continuation coverage for periods covering April 1 through September 30, 2021. The new law also extends the election deadline for individuals who would be considered AEIs if a COBRA continuation coverage election were in effect during the subsidy period – even if they never elected COBRA or dropped coverage.  For more information, read our legal update, Update on US COBRA premium subsidy and model notices.