Although many TPAs are similarly priced, there are often two choices for how you can pay fees. Typically, you will either pay a flat fee per qualifying event or a monthly fee per eligible employee. Companies with low turnover will likely prefer the fee per qualifying event, whereas you might choose the monthly fee per eligible employee if you have high turnover or want to predict your COBRA administration-related spending more closely.
When outsourcing COBRA administration, you will also need to designate someone to serve as a liaison between your company and the TPA. This person will ensure that all qualifying events are communicated to the TPA, will field any complaints about the TPA from COBRA-qualified employees, and will address any other concerns or communication regarding COBRA administration.
Due to the complexities of the law and potentially serious consequences for mistakes or violations, many employers outsource COBRA administration to a third-party administrator (TPA).
