Who administers COBRA for a group health plan?

• A. The plan administrator (employer or agent)
• B. The employee
• C. The IRS
• D. The health insurer

Answer: (A)

COBRA administration is handled by the plan administrator—the entity that runs the group health plan. This is usually the employer or an agent acting for the employer, such as a benefits administrator or a third-party COBRA administrator. The plan administrator is responsible for the essential tasks: sending the required COBRA notices, tracking eligibility, managing the election period, collecting premiums, and coordinating the continuation of coverage when a qualifying event occurs. The employee’s role is to elect and pay for coverage, not to run the administration. The IRS doesn’t run COBRA administration; its role is tax-related, while the health insurer provides the actual coverage but does not handle the overall COBRA process.