Over 7 million Americans will qualify for the new COBRA subsidy. Are you one of them?
The COBRA subsidy is a welcome relief for families struggling to keep health insurance during unemployment. The current provision reimburses 65% of the cost of COBRA for up to nine months.
Here are the key reasons why you may not be eligible for the subsidy.:
- If your former employer has gone out of business
- If you worked for a small company (fewer than 20 employees) and live in a state that does not have COBRA continuation coverage
- If you are eligible for other group health coverage (such as through a new employer’s plan or a spouse’s plan) or Medicare
Also, you must have been eligible for COBRA from the period of September 1, 2008 to December 31, 2009.
Medical coverage stopped 3/31/2011 when I left my employment. Nver received letter from insurance company to apply for COBRA. Now, since I am finally receiving application for COBRA, ex-employer stated I need to pay previuos two months of premiums! Didn’t even know if they would allow COBRA; why should I have to pay such an enormous premium for the past 60 days in which I wasn’t covered?
My husband just recently died and his insurance was the only I had. Will I qualify for the subsidy?
did the extension of benefits passed 7/20/10 include the COBRA subsidy? I was laid off 7/2/10. Am I eligible?
Hello, I was laid off in March 2010 and am currently unemployed and signed up for healthcare via UnitedhealthcareOne which was brought to my attention through COBRA. Do I qualify for a COBRA subsidy?
Steve Towsey
Hi Steve – Based on the facts you mention, you should be eligible for the COBRA subsidy.
I was laid off in Sept. of 2009 and am currently receiving unemployment. The cost of my health care is back breaking however it is a good plan and I want to keep it. It is through Kaiser. My former employer offered an option to either join the company plan or be reimbursed at approximately $400 monthly. I opted for the latter.
Do I have any elgibility for the subsidy?
Thank You,
Bill Glacken
Hi Bill – Are you paying for health insurance and then receiving reimbursement for your former employer? Is this insurance plan part of COBRA?
Do I qualify for the COBRA Subsidy?
Please send to my E-mail concerning my rights under COBRA to obtain unemployment if I got fired.
I am currently self-employed effective June 1, 2009 and previously a former state employee of over 10 years with same company. What if I got fired and would I qualify for Unemployment from the Company under COBRA? I just find out about COBRA from a former employee and would like to know more about my rights on this matter. Thanks! Brenda