|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Robert F. Matzie |
|
Matzie bill to expand COBRA health coverage signed into law
HARRISBURG, July 1 – Legislation (Act 2 of 2009) introduced by state Rep. Robert F. Matzie, D-Allegheny/Beaver, that will make COBRA health-insurance coverage available to Pennsylvania businesses with fewer than 20 employees was signed by Gov. Rendell at a ceremony today.
Matzie joined the governor and other lawmakers at a public signing of several health-care bills held at Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, outside of Harrisburg.
Matzie's bill is part of the House Democratic Caucus' Health PAct, a package of bills unveiled by House Majority Leader Todd Eachus, D-Luzerne, that focuses on providing and enhancing access to basic health care.
"I am pleased that my legislation was signed into law so that group-rated health insurance will be available to small employers and former employees of small businesses in Pennsylvania," Matzie said. "As a freshmen lawmaker, I am honored to have authored such an important piece of legislation that will help thousands of Pennsylvanians."
In 1986, Congress passed the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, giving workers and their families who have health coverage through their employer the right to continue coverage for a period of time after they leave employment. The former employee is generally required to pay the former employer's portion of the premium.
However, that continuation of coverage through COBRA currently doesn't apply to small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.
Matzie's law also extends a 65 percent reduction in COBRA premiums authorized under the new federal stimulus law to workers laid off from small businesses for up to nine months.