Artists Unite!
Health care reform is a critical issue for the arts community. Because so many artists are self-employed and do not have access to health insurance through employers or unions, we find ourselves faced with the high cost of individual private insurance. At this moment we have a unique opportunity to improve our quality of life by demanding affordable, comprehensive guaranteed-issue insurance. We invite you to join us in this effort to create a healthier future for all artists.
Today's Headlines
States Deal With Small Budgets, Medicaid CutsOur health policy research roundup today includes studies on regional variations in Medicare spendin... Read More State Health Policy Developments: Doctor Shortages, California Insurance Crackdown
News outlets across the country report on state health policy developments.
On December 24, the Senate passed a bill that stands to guarantee access to health insurance for tens of millions of Americans and to rein in health costs. The bill will now go to a conference committee, where House and Senate representatives must combine the measures in their respective bills, one of the major differences between them being that the House bill contains a government-run insurance plan, while the public option was dropped from the Senate bill. Other differences include provisions over abortion and taxes.
COBRA Extended!
President Obama has signed legislation that will allow laid-off workers to receive subsidized COBRA premiums for up to 15 months, and will extend these benefits to those laid off in the early part of this year. Eligible individuals pay only 35% of their COBRA premiums and the remaining 65% is reimbursed to the coverage provider. To qualify, individuals must have been involuntary terminated between September 1, 2008 and February 28, 2010. The premium reduction applies to periods of health coverage that began on or after February 17, 2009, and lasts for up to 15 months. For more information, visit The Department of Labor's website.
