From the August 2008 issue of Ceridian Connection

One of the most complex experiences for benefits participants and employers alike is COBRA (the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act). COBRA provides certain former employees, retirees, spouses, dependent children and former spouses the right to temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates. Since Congress passed the legislation in 1986, employers have been challenged to keep COBRA administration from claiming valuable time from HR staff.

Long the industry leader in COBRA administration, Ceridian recently introduced technology that provides a fresh new online experience for COBRA participants.

"The change is apparent at the login page," says Laurie Angyn, Ceridian project manager. "Ceridian customers who use the www.ceridian-benefits.com Web site for their online services will discover a new look to our general login page -- and their COBRA-only participants will experience a new personalized Web site that's unusually intuitive. This technology is going to make a real difference for employers, because it makes COBRA clearer and easier for participants to understand. The net result is fewer calls to HR and more time to focus on strategic needs."

Ceridian Product Manager Geri Lodato is equally enthusiastic about the launch of this new technology. "Ceridian manages COBRA administration for a wide range of organizations across the country," she says. "Many have more than one Ceridian solution, so we are excited to be working toward a single portal from which all their solutions will launch. Phase One is the release of a participant site for companies who have only our COBRA solution. As we bring more solutions in, all of an employer's Ceridian benefits solutions will launch from the new portal."

Lodato explains how the new technology assists COBRA participants. "To say that COBRA is complex is an understatement," she says. "Especially for COBRA participants who are making important decisions about health care coverage during a time of transition in their lives. We wanted clarity for these participants. We wanted ease of use. So we created a technology approach that is not only powerful -- it is intuitive. It works to make a complex process clear and easy for everyone involved."

The new technology allows COBRA participants to view their personal election options, key dates, account details and billing information. They can perform online account management, too. "To help COBRA participants move through the various phases of the process," Lodato says, "we use proactive messaging and deliver timely information based on status. If someone is in the beginning of the process, ready to make decisions about electing COBRA, their personal dashboard presents them with all the information they need at that point in the process. As they move from electing COBRA to active participation, their dashboard will change. Now they are presented with new information that is helpful to them at this specific stage."

An Account Summary area provides COBRA participants with the information they need relevant to the state they are in. "In this way," Angyn says, "we present only the information participants need -- when they need it."

Long the industry leader in COBRA administration, Ceridian provides COBRA administration services to thousands of companies nationwide. To find out how we can help you manage this complex process while providing participants with easy-to-use tools, contact your Ceridian representative.