State of Ohio COBRA funds mismanaged, section manager terminated
This in via e-mail, with this story from the Columbus Dispatch will shed a bit more light on the media release:
DAS statement regarding Inspector General Report
Hugh Quill, director of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS), issued the following statement today regarding the Ohio Inspector General’s report concerning state employee COBRA program administration. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows employees and their families who have been covered by a health care plan to maintain their coverage for a period of time after a “qualifying event” such as involuntary job loss.
“DAS brought its concern regarding the administration of the program to the attention of the Inspector General and appreciates his independent and thorough investigation of this matter.
DAS concurrently assigned a top level DAS Human Resources Division manager to evaluate program administration and implement stronger controls to correct program deficiencies, including the handling of COBRA checks. New processes have been implemented.
Termination procedures have been initiated against David Holbrook, who was the section manager of the unit. Upon termination, Mr. Holbrook would not be eligible for rehire by the state. We are reviewing the Inspector General’s report and determining the appropriate course of action for other employees involved.
The department has notified everyone who submitted a check that was not deposited and is working to ensure that proper coverage was extended and premiums paid. It appears that all premium checks have been recovered, and there is no indication that premium funds were misappropriated.”
COBRA is only temporary in nature – so individuals should also explore options in the private health insurance market as well. Although the govt subsidy makes this a less attractive proposition right now.
June 17th, 2009 at 4:30 pm