Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis Issues Statement on COBRA's 25th Anniversary
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- Published on Friday, 08 April 2011 07:00
The health insurance continuation provisions in the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA), have been in effect for 25 years. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement marking this anniversary: "Today marks a quarter century since the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 became law. During that time COBRA has helped some 50 million workers--and their families--maintain affordable health coverageCOBRA gives workers a means of maintaining coverage by group health insurance plans even when faced with such challenging life events as job loss, divorce, or the death of a spouseMore recently, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provided additional support to these workers and their families. The help came in the form of a 65 percent premium for workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. This made it easier for those individuals to keep health coverage for themselves and their loved ones during what can be a period of tremendous economic and personal stressFor 25 years, COBRA has been an essential safety net for those workers who play by the rules, yet still find themselves weathering difficult times. It ensures that they can continue their health coverage while getting back on their feet. That spirit of responsible and responsive service to those who work hard and play by the rules, but sometimes need a hand up is in line with the commitment of the Department of Labor to the working men and women of our nation."...
Senator Boxer Reintroduces Legislation to Expand COBRA
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- Published on Wednesday, 06 April 2011 06:02
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) has reintroduced legislation known as the Equal Access to COBRA Act, which would provide many domestic partners with the same access married spouses currently have to COBRA health coverage if their partner loses a job. According to information posted on Senator Boxer's website, "The law would apply to companies that already offer health coverage to domestic partners and their children. Currently, more than half of Fortune 500 companies cover domestic partners under their health plans." Senator Boxer commented on the proposed legislation, stating that "All of our families deserve equal access to health insurance. This bill would help ensure that domestic partners and their families will be able to keep their health coverage if their partner loses their job." Under federal law, employers must offer continuing health care coverage to departing employees and their beneficiaries for up to 36 months, depending on the circumstances. However, current federal laws pertaining to COBRA coverage do not apply to domestic partners or same-sex spouses even if the employer offers health coverage to domestic partners of employees. This proposed legislation would change federal law to allow equal access to COBRA coverage for all individuals who are covered by an employer's health plan, and it would apply to domestic partners as they are defined by an employer's health insurance plan. However, the legislation would only apply to employers that already offer health care coverage to domestic partners and their children. Senator Boxer originally introduced the legislation last year. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) has introduced a companion bill in the House. In California, if Cal-COBRA applies, domestic partners are treated the same as spouses....
