Layoffs Cobra News
With the possibility of layoffs lurking around the corner for much of today’s workforce, it is important to be prepared, especially when it comes to health insurance. President Obama’s recent stimulus package includes a 65 percent subsidy on the cost of COBRA premiums for up to nine months. The subsidy applies to anyone laid off after September 1, 2008, provided they meet other important criteria. eHealth, Inc. has posted answers to questions about the subsidy at www.COBRALearning.com , as well as a COBRA subsidy calculator, which can help you determine what your subsidized payments will be each month. But, before you “auto-enroll” in a subsidized nine-month COBRA plan, you may want to explore options in the individual health insurance market. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 National Health Insurance Plan Study, people who purchased individual health insurance gave it a higher satisfaction rating than those who got healthcare through a small employer (50 emp...