A subsidy that paid 65 percent of COBRA premiums for unemployed workers is set to expire December 31st – that’s if Congress fails to pass legislation to extend it.
The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provision has allowed many laid-off workers to continue health care coverage while unemployed. Without Congress’ help, many could lose that assistance as early as this month.
Representative Joe Sestak (D-PA) has introduced a bill to extend and expand the provision. If passed, the subsidy would be provided for up to 15 months, instead of nine. Those laid off between January and June 30, 2010, would be eligible to participate. In addition, the bill would extend traditional COBRA coverage for those laid off at the beginning of 2008, from six to 24 months.
“Losing one’s job is difficult enough,” said Rep. Sestak. “But losing one’s health care along with it – and worrying about being able to get treatment for oneself and one’s family, or fearing bankruptcy in the event of injury or illness – is something Americans should not have to cope with in this difficult time.”
Thu. November 05, 2009
I agree with Tim. That is a wonderful idea. I truly don\'t believe it is costing as much as they think because most of the people laid off back in sept. 08 probably did not take the subsidy as they would have had to pay the entire cost up until April 09. So actually I feel it covers mostly people that were laid off in o9.Wed. November 04, 2009
We need an IAM Activist link to ask Congress to support the extension of COBRA benefits to laid off workers.Tue. November 03, 2009
I don\'t understand why the subsidy for Cobra does not extend to the people that have been laid off since Sept. 08. They too need to have this extension. How do they expect these people to be under the traditional Cobra as some of these people are now starting to lose unemployment benefits. What is good for one is good for all.