Comments for Gary Kushner's Benefits Blog

Comment on COBRA and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by Gary Kushner

Gary Kushner — Sat, 29 May 2010 03:27:34 +0000

No, unless the organization is under 20 employees, they must comply with the provisions of COBRA, including the 65% subsidy. If you meet all of the requirements for COBRA coverage, they must offer it to you and if you meet the requirements of ARRA (the law which contained the 65% subsidy), they must abide by that too.

Comment on COBRA and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by donna

donna — Thu, 27 May 2010 23:47:27 +0000

I was layed off in April 2010 due to job elimination. My employer has stated that they do not particpate in the 65% subsidy due to being a catholic organization. Is this possible? and how do I receive the subsidy that is supposed to be law?

Comment on COBRA Extension Passed by Gary Kushner

Gary Kushner — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 21:51:42 +0000

The extension of the COBRA subsidy program was passed yesterday, retroactive to April 1. The extension applies the federal subsidy for involuntary terminations that occur on or before May 31st, and provides the same 65% federal subsidy for a qualified individual who is involuntarily terminated from employment. The subsidy is good for 15 months (of the possible 18 months of COBRA coverage).

Comment on COBRA Extension Passed by John

John — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:19:09 +0000

I just was laid off today (April 15th, 2010) and my employer told me to get COBRA would cost me $1500 a month. My unemployment benefit is $275 (in Florida). Has the program been extended where employer would pay 65% of premium?

If not, does it look like it will? If still not passed, should I try to pay for the COBRA for one month just to make sure I’d be eligible?

Thanks

Comment on Health Care Reform Now a Reality by Gary Kushner

Gary Kushner — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 21:07:53 +0000

By 2014 it will have a dramatic effect. Depending upon total employee count (2 P/Ts = 1 F/T) some larger employers, defined as those over 50 employees will find they’re covering P/T workers.

Comment on Health Care Reform Now a Reality by Norm Frazier

Norm Frazier — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:22:35 +0000

Gary: What does this mean for employers who cover full timers but not part timers? Thanks!

Comment on COBRA and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by Gary Kushner

Gary Kushner — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:41:10 +0000

The COBRA 18-month coverage timeframe cannot be extended. However, some employers (and their carriers) do offer conversion coverage (whereby the plan converts to an individual policy) after the expiration of the COBRA period. You might want to ask your employer about conversion coverage in the plan. Not all plans have it, but yours might.

Good luck!

Comment on COBRA and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by Marlene Vettorel

Marlene Vettorel — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:50:23 +0000

Hi, I got laid off just prior to the stimulus date of September and have paid my own cobra for the past 18 mos. Can I ask my company to extend my coverage if I continue to pay for it? Or what do you suggest I can do in my situation? Thanks for yout time.

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Sat, 26 Dec 2009 04:02:54 +0000

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Comment on COBRA Extension Added to Dept. of Defense Appropriations Bill by Gary Kushner

Gary Kushner — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 03:10:52 +0000

If the provision passes as it currently stands, you would indeed have the 65% “extra” payments applied to future months. However, so far nothing in the proposal would extend the 18 months of overall COBRA coverage.