Has anyone received a request by a third party for a copy of an individual's COBRA election packet? For example, a charity foundation or a medical facility will call and request that the election paperwork be mailed to their address rather then the employee. If so, how have you handled that request?

Thank you.

I would not do that under any circumstances. To begin with, how would you know that the intended receipient of the packet would actually receive it, or receive it in time? Stick with what the law wants you to do, which is to make every reasonable effort to provide the receipient with the actual packet.

By the way, what was the reason that the 3rd party gave to you?

We treat the request differently. If the participant has provided direction to honor the request, then we send it to the third party. Or if the participant has instructed the employer that the Third Party is his appropriate address we also honor.

Many times this will occur when the third party is going to pay the COBRA costs, and they are looking to confirm the amount and make certain the payments are timely made.

I do not disagree with you b2kates, I was not even thinking about the request coming from the employee. The post said that the request came from a third party, without any indication that the ee ok'd it.

The request came from a third party not the actual employee involved. I do not know the reason that was given to the specialist that took the call. In the past we have had providers ask whether payment has been received but this was the first request for an enrollment package. Thank you for your comments.

Since the request came from the 3rd party and not the employee, how would you know that the employee will receive it? Seems like you are risking something here. If they employee provided you with written direction to go ahead and send it to the 3rd party, that would be better.

Why not avoid the entire issue and send it to both of them?

I would advise against sending to the Third Party without the knowledge and consent of the COBRA participants.

I would send to both with a signed release from the employee to cover any possible HIPAA violations this would bring up, as well.