Oregon Senate Passes Bill That Extends Federal Health Insurance Subsidy For Workers Recently Laid Off

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 28 Apr 2009 - 6:00 PDT

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The Oregon Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that would extend federal COBRA subsidies to former employees of small businesses, the AP/USA Today reports. The coverage is part of the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provides coverage of 65% of workers' COBRA premiums for nine months. The state bill allows former small-business workers to qualify for the same benefits; previously, small-business employees could retain COBRA coverage for six months. The bill also requires insurers to notify all employers and individuals laid off between Sept. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2009, of their eligibility for the coverage (AP/USA Today, 4/23).

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