For employers, the Act imposes new Notice and premium subsidy requirements.  Beginning March 1, 2009, if an employee loses coverage under a health plan between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009 as a result of the employee’s involuntary termination of employment, and elects COBRA continuation coverage, the employee will pay not more than 35% of the COBRA premium for up to nine months.  The employer must provide the remaining 65% of the premium for a period of nine months, or until the employee obtains other coverage.  The employer is entitled to some favorable tax treatment as a result of these payments.   The employer is not required to provide the subsidy for certain high income employees.   By April 13, 2009, employers are required to issue notices to employees it terminated after September 1, 2008.  Model notices are expected from the United States Department of Labor by March 19, 2009.   The Act also imposes a second election period.  If the period to elect COBRA coverage expired before March 1, 2009, the employee has sixty (60) days after receipt of the new notice to elect COBRA coverage.   Antheil Maslow & MacMinn, LLP can provide guidance for employers to ensure compliance with the Act and can assist terminated employees in protecting their rights.  Please call your primary attorney at the Firm, or if you are not presently represented by us, contact Patricia C. Collins, Esq. or Michael A. Klimpl, Esq. at (215) 230-7500 to discuss any questions you have regarding the above issues, your own employment matters or to schedule an appointment.