Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Spare Change: Stimulus Act Offers Premium Assistance COBRA Beneficiaries

Beginning March 1, 2009, the government will subsidize 65% of the cost of COBRA premiums for eligible workers and their dependents who were/are involuntarily terminated between September 1, 2008 and December 31, 2009 for up to nine months. The subsidy is available as long as the person's adjusted gross income is $125,000 or less ($250,000 or less for joint filers). It is phased out as adjusted gross income increases from $125,000 to $145,000 ($250,000 to $290,000 for joint filers), so that there is no subsidy at all above those levels.

For those who did not initially elect COBRA coverage, the legislation also provides an additional 60 day election period.

No comments: