The following is a glossary of terms for the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA).

12-Month Determination Period

The period in which a "fixed" COBRA premium for each level of coverage is charged to all QBs, regardless of the date of their QEs, throughout a specific 12-month period.

14-Day Notification Period

The period for sending QE Notices to affected QBs.

30-Day Grace Period

The period in which QBs can make regular payments for continued COBRA coverage.

45-Day Retroactive Premium Payment Period

The period in which a QB, after making his or her COBRA election, has to pay the first COBRA premium.

60-Day Election Period

The period during which QBs can elect (but not pay for) COBRA coverage.

A QB's "Rights"

Circumstances allowing QBs to elect, change, add to, or continue COBRA coverage.

Affirmative Rejection

Administrative tool used to reject certain health care claims incurred during the COBRA Election Period.

Certified COBRA Administrator

An HR professional who has completed the COBRA Training & Certification Program and passed the accompanying certification exam.

Cessation Of Dependency Status

An event that precludes a child from continued coverage as a dependent under the group health plan.

COBRA

Stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliaton Act.

COBRA Timeline

The specific time and performance requirements necessary to notify, elect, pay, and manage the ongoing processes of COBRA administration.

COBRA-listed Event

Items that, coupled with a loss of coverage, would cause a Qualifying Event.

Conversion Coverage Rules

Certain rules that require Plans to offer individuals who lose insured group health plan coverage to continue some form of that coverage on an individual, non-group, basis.

In Anticipation

Term used to describe a company's or an individual's attempt to drop health plan coverage before a COBRA QE in order to avoid having to provide or pay for COBRA.

Initial COBRA Notice

Notice provided to individuals when they first become covered under a group health plan subject to COBRA.

Insignificant Amount

A partial payment that is nearly a full payment and thus require special operating rules.

Multiple QE

COBRA event occurring during the initial 18-month COBRA coverage period that extends COBRA coverage to a maximum of 36 months.

Partial Payment

Any payment that is not a full payment.

QB

Short for Qualified Beneficiary. Title for any individual who has COBRA "Rights".

QE

Short for Qualified Event or Qualifying Event. A COBRA-listed Event that causes loss of coverage under a group health plan subject to COBRA.

QE Notice

Notice sent to QBs notifying them that a COBRA Qualifying Event has occurred.

Qualified Beneficiary

Title for any individual who has COBRA "Rights". Abbreviated as QB.

Qualified Event

A COBRA-listed Event that causes loss of coverage under a group health plan subject to COBRA. Abbreviated as QE.

Use Equals Election

Requirement that use of certain health care services will be treated constructively as a COBRA election.

Waive

To give up certain rights.