Representatives Susan A. Davis (D-CA), Robert Andrews (D-NJ), George Miller (D-CA), Pete Stark (D-CA), Betty Sutton (D-OH), David Wu (D-OR) and Joe Courtney (D-CT) introduced the COBRA Health Benefits Extension Act (H.R. 5324), which would allow persons currently enrolled in COBRA to purchase their insurance beyond the standard eligibility period. The bill has been sent to the House Committee on Education and Labor and the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means.

On the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Davis explained the bill: "Those on COBRA can stay with their coverage beyond standard eligibility periods until they find a new job providing insurance or until health insurance exchanges are available in 2014. They can also drop their COBRA coverage and enter a government-sponsored high-risk pool if they so choose. This legislation provides a bridge to those at risk of losing their health coverage so they do not have to go without insurance."

"We know that COBRA coverage is not perfect," Davis continued in her remarks on the House floor. "Premiums are generally higher because employers are no longer paying a portion of the cost. However, especially for those with significant health care costs, COBRA coverage is extremely valuable."
"The health care reform bill that became law in March was the first step to providing all Americans access to affordable health insurance, but those struggling without a job simply cannot afford to wait for some provisions to take effect," Representative Andrews said in a press release on Davis' website. "This legislation ensures that recently unemployed Americans will not lose their health benefits before the new insurance exchanges are up and running. Rather, COBRA enrollees can rest a bit easier knowing that the health and well-being of their families will not be jeopardized while the changes to our health care system gradually take effect."

Adapted in part from a press release by Representative Davis.

Link: http://www.house.gov/susandavis/press/pr051910.shtml

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