COBRA aid for layoffs is confusing

Employers are confused about the COBRA revisions, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said: Confused over whether to calculate a person’s income before or after termination; whether people taking a buyout are eligible; on how to determine a spouse’s income.

Many individuals will have similar questions — whether their termination was involuntary, for example.

“If you think it’s hard for benefits managers to understand, try the average person on the street,” said James Gelfand of the Chamber of Commerce.

Health Insurers Welcome COBRA Subsidy, Leery of Privacy Rules

The federal government would subsidize up to 65% of COBRA health insurance payments for many individuals who have lost their jobs since Sept. 1, 2008, under an $825 billion stimulus package unveiled by House Democrats.

One couple with chronic conditions struggles with high premiums and high co-pays

Retiree Hires Attorney to Keep Her Coverage

“I was promised lifetime insurance by my employer (USA Today). In May, my employer farmed out billing to Aetna and refused to take my check,” said Coline George of Camarillo, California. “Aetna had no record of me. The only informed person I talked to said that Aetna only did my employer's COBRA account.” ...