Benefits Think

"Government" translates to tax payer, and the taxpayer burden is already too great and growing worse - there has to be a better way than government-subsidized COBRA for individuals who find themselves without coverage.

What I would like to see is addressing the REAL issue, the cost of health care. Instead, we put another taxpayer band-aid on it.

It's a nice thought, but another step on the slippery slope to socialism. Can the government afford this new entitlement? How much will it cost annually? What about the deficit? The national debt? Why 50%? Why not 75% or 100%? Why just COBRA? Why not all medical premiums?

The State of New York runs a subsidy program for entertainment industry workers that enroll in COBRA.

Sounds good too me. But, maybe should be based on how much of the premium they paid when they worked.Gov't pays portion that company used to pay.

COBRA is often double the cost of individual coverage. First, should require people to look at individual coverage. If cannot get coverage there, then must remain on COBRA, so maybe then a subsidy.

Of course when you lose your job, whether suddenly or not, money is a big issue. Just ask anyone who has a family, small children, braces, tuition, mortgage and car payments, etc. Everyone needs medical coverage since one catastrophic claim can wipe a person out, but how can anyone afford COBRA? Taxes...

Instead of new entitlements & admin costs: EXPAND MEDICARE, MEDICAID, & FEDERAL HEALTH PLANS !!

No...We do not need additional Federal Government programs. This needs to be handled on the state level.

Subsidizing COBRA is an option. However, individuals that have insurance are also in great need of a subsidy. My COBRA ended 3 years ago and the cost was cheap compared to what I pay now. Even with no health issues, my premium payments for single coverage are $600+/month.