Industry News

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield President Shares Important Information
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield President, Mark Wagar sharing important information about the proposed health care reform bills emerging from the Senate Finance Committee.  more

R+B Update:

Dependents to Age 29 - Who is Eligible?
To qualify for this option, young adults must fulfill specific criteria to become eligible  more
The Lesson of State Health-Care Reforms
Like participants in a national science fair, state governments have tested variants on most of the major components of the health-care reform plans currently being considered in Congress.  more
U.S. Employers: 'We'll Pass Along Health Reform's Added Costs'
Advocates and opponents differ on how reform would affect employer-provided coverage  more

R+B Update:

FEDERAL COBRA Changes / American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
  • The ARRA subsidy has been extended from 9 months to 15 months.
  • The date of eligibility for the premium subsidy has been changed from December 31, 2009 to February 28, 2010.
  • Employers and COBRA administrators are required to provide notification.
  • Updated model notices are available.
  more

R+B Update:

NEW YORK STATE "Mini-COBRA" Changes
  • The 18 months of additional New York State mini-COBRA is now effective November 1, 2009 regardless of when the group health contract was issued or renewed.
  • There is a special 60 day enrollment period for individuals whose COBRA coverage expired between July 1, 2009 and November 1, 2009.
  more