I'm new to health insurance adminstration and need information on COBRA and HIPPA. Where can I get information outlining all the specifics?

Welcome to the club!!

First, if you are using a consultant or broker use them to educate you whenever possible and ask them what reference manuals they use. Having the same page to read from when you have a question will be important. If you don't have a broker or consultant, I've used EBRI and Thompson and both are good. By the way, the manual should be updated periodically. I don't like "annuals" published and sold each year.

Plan on attending seminars on each subject. You can usually find several individuals at them that you can network with.

As far as education is concerned, I've found the IFEBP, International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, to be a good organization. A little expensive but they have a lot to offer.

You can also access the DOL's Technical Bulletin re: HIPAA changes to COBRA at http://www.dol.gov/dol/pwba/public/pubs/q&aguide.htm

Lilly:
I recommend that you attend seminars on COBRA and HIPPA. I have attended FMLA and COBRA seminars put on by A.E. Roberts Company and found them to be excellent. They also have HIPPA seminars. I'm sure there are other companies that do a good job as well. You can contact A.E Roberts at 651-681-7887

Semionars are usually one day seminars and you will receive a book with detailed information on the requirement of the laws.