'Mini-COBRA' Bill Passes Senate
A bill to give former employees of smaller companies a health-coverage option now only available at larger companies has been approved by the state senate. The bill, introduced by Senator Don White (R-Indiana), would create a state program similar to the federal COBRA program that would apply to companies with two to 19 employees.
It would allow former employees, retirees, spouses, former spouses and children to continue their coverage at group rates for 18 months. Under the federal stimulus package, the government would subsidize 65 percent of those premiums.
White says the bills "is not a silver bullet. It will not solve all of the problems with Pennsylvania's health care system. However, it is a pragmatic step in the right direction to improve the accessibility and affordability of health care and most significantly -- it does not cost the Pennsylvania taxpayers one dime."
The bill also includes an amendment by Senator Mike Stack (D-Philadelphia) that would give employees of small businesses who were laid off access to federal COBRA subsidies.
“Hopefully, this window of coverage will provide working people with enough time to get back on their feet, find a new job and hopefully obtain affordable health insurance benefits,” Stack said. “Regardless of the circumstances, everyone should have access to affordable health care, and this legislation will help those who lose their job and health coverage.”
The bill has been sent to the House.
For more information, go to Senator Don White.com or Senator Stack.com.
It would allow former employees, retirees, spouses, former spouses and children to continue their coverage at group rates for 18 months. Under the federal stimulus package, the government would subsidize 65 percent of those premiums.
White says the bills "is not a silver bullet. It will not solve all of the problems with Pennsylvania's health care system. However, it is a pragmatic step in the right direction to improve the accessibility and affordability of health care and most significantly -- it does not cost the Pennsylvania taxpayers one dime."
The bill also includes an amendment by Senator Mike Stack (D-Philadelphia) that would give employees of small businesses who were laid off access to federal COBRA subsidies.
“Hopefully, this window of coverage will provide working people with enough time to get back on their feet, find a new job and hopefully obtain affordable health insurance benefits,” Stack said. “Regardless of the circumstances, everyone should have access to affordable health care, and this legislation will help those who lose their job and health coverage.”
The bill has been sent to the House.
For more information, go to Senator Don White.com or Senator Stack.com.
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