COBRA Aid Left Out of Dems' Medicare Package

Congress declined to help laid-off workers stay on employers' health-insurance rolls in the Medicare package passed yesterday.

Democrats managed to push through $16 billion in extra Medicaid assistance to states, despite strenuous Republican resistance. But to do so, they had to leave COBRA subsidies out of the package, NPR reported. The aid, authorized in last summer's stimulus bill, had helped laid-off workers stay on employer health-insurance rolls by paying up to 65 percent of the premium, but it expired in June.

Workers have the option of staying on an employer’s plan up to 18 months after losing a job. But without the employer paying part of the cost, the price of staying insured is often far too high for most. 

Speaker Nancy Pelosi roused Democrats from their August break to pass the Medicare package, which included $10 billion for teachers' salaries. Her move came after the Senate had a surprise breakthrough last week.

But in dropping efforts to extend COBRA aid, Democrats have paid a high price. The party has made access to health care a centerpiece of its platform. And with 131,000 jobs lost just last month, the failure to help sacked workers remain insured is a significant retreat.