COBRA Subsidy Extension Signed Into Law

On March 2, 2010, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 4691, the Temporary Extension Act of 2010 by a vote of 78-19.  This Senate action follows House passage of H.R. 4691 on February 25, 2010.  The President immediately signed this bill into law on March 2, 2010.

The Temporary Extension Act extends the COBRA subsidy program that was enacted under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The law’s COBRA provisions:

  • Extend the eligibility period for the 15-month 65 percent premium subsidy to those involuntarily terminated from March 1 through March 31, 2010.
  • Allow employees to receive the subsidy if they first lost group coverage due to a reduction in hours and then were terminated after enactment of the bill.

The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or tax advice, nor is it intended to advise you of your obligations under ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It should not be used or relied upon as the basis for any action or choosing inaction. Consult an experienced benefits attorney or tax professional about your specific situation before deciding on any course of action or inaction.

2 Responses

  1. I was recently separated from my job with SC Department of Social Services and would like information regarding the extension (beyond May 31, 2010) of the Cobra Insurance relating to ARRA.

  2. At this time, there has not be an extension offered for terminations that occur after May 31, 2010.

    The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or tax advice, nor is it intended to advise you of your obligations under ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It should not be used or relied upon as the basis for any action or choosing inaction. Consult an experienced benefits attorney or tax professional about your specific situation before deciding on any course of action or inaction.

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