COBRA Subsidies For Millions Of Jobless Have Expired

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.laborradio.org/node/12469

Submitted by Doug Cunningham on December 1, 2009 - 4:44pm
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COBRA subsidies have expired for millions of Americans. Congress had passed legislation that covered 65 percent of health insurance costs for workers who were laid off. The subsidies were provided to workers starting in March and it allowed the unemployed to stay on the health insurance plans of former employers for up to nine months after being laid off. The estimated out of pocket cost to workers who want to continue paying for health care is three times higher than what most workers are currently paying. It is unclear if Congress will be able to pass a new bill extending the subsidies before the end of the year as the Senate continues to be embroiled in a debate over health insurance reform.

[endless october]

1. COBRA is basically unaffordable for most at full price.

the subsidy was one of the best parts of the stimulus, in my opinion.

[nilram]

2. ditto that