Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has signed into law provisions for unemployed small business workers in the state that will allow them to receive continued Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) health care insurance coverage and premium discounts, provided under the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The bill is effective immediately. At the national level, COBRA and other unemployment benefits have been extended through May under legislation President Obama signed in April.

"During these difficult economic times it's very important to extend a helping hand to those in need," said Governor Quinn in a press release. "This law protects workers laid off from small companies, and extends ongoing coverage and the premium discounts provided under the federal recovery act."

The text of the new law, enacted from Senate Bill 3004, states that the eligibility period for COBRA subsidies is extended to May 31, 2010, the period of eligibility in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The duration of the subsidy, a 65 percent premium reduction, is extended to 15 months. The law applies to terminated workers in businesses with 19 or fewer employees.
According to Governor Quinn, these former employees of small businesses would not otherwise be guaranteed full benefits under the AARA.

Adapted in part from Governor Quinn's press release.

Link: http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=3&RecNum=8450

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