Legislation to offer extended health benefits to New Jersey residents left jobless following the closure of a business is now headed to the full state Senate for consideration.

After a long week of debate, President Barack Obama signed an $18 billion bill temporarily extending unemployment and health benefits to millions of Americans, including those receiving coverage through the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA).

Health care reform signed into law by President Barack Obama could lead to the demise of small-group insurance market in the U.S., according to the chief executive of one of the nation’s Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates.

As part of a larger unemployment insurance benefits bill, the U.S. Senate approved an extension of the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) through Dec. 31.

As part of a $636 billion defense spending bill, Congress has forwarded a proposed extension of Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) benefits.

Nine months ago, unemployed workers received a boost to continue their health care coverage through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which extended COBRA benefits. The move, meant as a temporary way to provide a 65% premium subsidy and ease the cost of health care for the unemployed, has already expired for some.

The Maryland Health Insurance Partnership is increasing the average wage that qualifies for the maximum subsidy, one of several changes responding to the current economic conditions facing small businesses.

The qualification …  Read →

While Democrats and Republicans wrangle for a common solution to the nation’s health care crisis, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario is reminding them that there is common ground in the various proposals.

More than half of employers are expecting to take a financial hit with the implementation of a new federal COBRA subsidy.

Almost 60% of more than 300 employers surveyed during Aon …  Read →