Lawmakers seek to revive legislation that would eliminate COBRA coverage limits

Reps. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.) are pushing to revive legislation (HR 2047) proposed last year that would allow people to pay for health coverage from their former employers until they qualify for Medicare at age 65, the Chicago Sun Times reports.

COBRA currently allows U.S. residents who have left a job to keep their group insurance from their former employers for up to 18 months, and in some cases up to 36 months, by paying the entire premium. The Health Insurance for Life Act would remove those limits.

Kirk said the bill would help people retain coverage if they have pre-existing medical conditions and if their new employer does not offer health benefits.

The legislation would not help people whose COBRA coverage has expired, according to the Sun Times. The bill has not come up for a vote in either chamber, but if it is approved, COBRA coverage would cost U.S. residents up to 106% of the former insurance premium rather than 102%, Kirk said.

He added that although not everyone can afford COBRA, for people who can, "at least ... you can choose to remain insured" (Thomas, Chicago Sun Times, 5/ 30).