I know there is a lot of talk around these parts on the utter failure of Democrats to enact meaningful Health Care Legislation. And I am SO with You all on that.
BUT, there actually was one piece of legislation that passed earlier this year that has undoubtedly helped millions of people, namely the COBRA subsidy.
Well, that is about to expire.
For those of us uncertain about our employment (and who these days isn't?), the December 31,2009 deadline for qualifying is fast approaching. And likely has even past IF You haven't been already layed off/ down sized / etc -- even if You are layed off in these next two weeks, Your employer has paid through till the end of the year, and You wouldn't be COBRA qualified until January 1st -- Bzzzzzzzzzzzt ... too late!
Well, while Harry Fiddles while the Health Care Reform debate Burns, Some in Congress have introduced legislation to extend the COBRA subsidies
More Details HERE
According to Sestak, the new subsidy would extend:
* the total allowable time an individual could receive the COBRA subsidy by six months (from nine to 15 months);
* the subsidy to individuals who are involuntarily terminated between January 1, 2010, and June 30, 2010; and
* eligibility for traditional COBRA coverage an additional six months (from 18 to 24 months) for individuals who were terminated at the beginning of the recession in 2008.
While I am certainly no fortune teller, and have no freakin idea what ultimately will happen with the overall HCR legislation, I DO KNOW THAT MILLIONS OF PEOPLE CAN BE HELPED NOW with extending the COBRA subsidies.
Now, a message from Joe Sestak (who You might want to contribute to by the way!)
Please contact Your Congress Critters in the House and Senate to support this much needed legislation.
PASS IT NOW