Sebelius Signs Legislation Extending COBRA Subsidies Through 2010

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 22 Apr 2009 - 7:00 PDT

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HHS Secretary-nominee Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) last week signed legislation that amends state law and offers subsidies covering up to 65% of premium costs for workers using COBRA benefits through 2010, Kansas Health Institute News reports. The federal economic stimulus package approved in February by President Obama provides the subsidies for workers so they can temporarily continue their health insurance benefits after losing their jobs. The state legislation puts Kansas in compliance with the stimulus package requirements. State Treasurer Dennis McKinney said, "Reduced costs for COBRA coverage will help to keep Kansas families insured through these tough economic times." He added, "This will also benefit Kansas doctors and clinics, because they will have fewer unpaid accounts" (Kansas Health Institute News, 4/14).

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