August 31st, 2011

Kaiser Health News reported today that subsidies for laid-off workers to continue their healthcare coverage are ending today. After three previous extensions, lawmakers were weary of another because of the concern over the federal deficit. The only exception for those benefits ending today are for workers who were laid off prior to May 31, 2010 who employers allowed them to continue their work-sponsored coverage. Their subsidies did not begin until their previous coverage ended.

A concern is how these individuals and families will continue to be insured because the insurance exchanges – a result of healthcare reform bill – are not up and running yet. This will definitely be an issue to watch in the coming months.