COBRA Subsidy Extension Could Be Voted on Before Christmas

December 18, 2009

Senate has attached it to Defense spending bill

The Senate passed a cloture motion to vote on the Defense spending bill that includes the extension of the COBRA subsidy extension. Currently the subsidy is due to expire at the end of the year. Passage of the extension would provide an additional 6 months of subsidy to eligible individuals and extend the eligibility date to the end of February. There is a separate bill sponsored by Senators Robert Casey (D-PA) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to increase the subsidy from 65% to 75%.

The momentum for healthcare reform has slowed in the Senate. Opposition is growing from both sides for different reasons. Some believe the lack of a government, single payer plan is not acceptable while others do not want government intervention into their healthcare. At this time, no legislative text or cost analysis have been released leaving many wondering if it is possible to pass any type of reform before Christmas.

The December 18, 2009 NAHU Newswire includes other newsworthy topics of the day.

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