Act Now to Extend Lifesaving COBRA Benefits
April 13, 2010
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When passing the health care reform bill, Congress failed to include a measure extending overall COBRAbenefits until 2014, when many of the new state-run health care exchanges would be in place. Current benefits are only available for a maximum of 18 months – not nearly enough time in a recession rife with long-term unemployment.
In addition, for the second time in two months, Senate Republicans in March allowed eligibility for the 65 percent subsidy, which allows the unemployed to purchase COBRA coverage at a discounted rate, to expire. Thanks to this small group of heartless lawmakers, millions of unemployed Americans may be forced to live without health insurance.
Ensure the jobless are protected. Tell Congress to extend overall COBRA coverage and the 65 percent subsidy at once.
