COBRA Extension Bill introduced: Contact Congress in support of this important legislation!

Millions of unemployed Americans rely on their COBRA health care coverage.  COBRA coverage, however, typically only lasts for 18 months after you leave an employer.  Cancer treatment, like that for many chronic diseases, knows no time limit and can often take years of chemotherapy and/or radiation before a patient is cured.  This puts cancer patients who are in treatment and currently relying on COBRA in a particular bind.

Well, there is hope on the horizon.  Last week, U.S. Representatives Susan A. Davis (D-San Diego), Robert Andrews (D-NJ) and Joe Courtney (D-CT) introduced legislation to allow those people currently on COBRA to hold on to their health care coverage longer.

The COBRA Health Benefits Extension Act (H.R. 5324) allows those currently enrolled in COBRA to purchase their insurance beyond the standard eligibility period, generally 18 months, until they either find another job offering coverage or become eligible for the an insurance exchange to be created by the new health reform law.

“The extension of coverage will give those currently on COBRA peace of mind that they will have health security,” said Davis.  “Losing a job that has health insurance coverage while treating an illness at the same time is a frightening prospect for so many people and their families.  We need to give people a bridge between coverage.”

“The health care reform bill that became law in March was the first step to providing all Americans access to affordable health insurance, but those struggling without a job simply cannot afford to wait for some provisions to take effect,” said Congressman Andrews. “This legislation ensures that recently unemployed Americans will not lose their health benefits before the new insurance exchanges are up and running. Rather COBRA enrollees can rest a bit easier knowing that the health and wellbeing of their families will not be jeopardized while the changes to our health care system gradually take effect.”

“Weathering unemployment is difficult enough without also having to worry about health care costs or how to pay for a catastrophic injury,” Courtney said. “With long-term health care fixes on the way, it is important to provide a bridge to fuller benefits, and extending COBRA coverage will do just that for many Americans. Erasing the worry of expiring benefits will lift a significant weight from overburdened men and women who can now focus on their futures and their families.” 

Davis, Andrews and Courtney all serve on the House Education and Labor Committee, which has jurisdiction over H.R. 5324. 

COBRA coverage can be extremely valuable to those facing a serious health problem or chronic condition.  The average cost of treating breast cancer rose to nearly $21,000 and prostate cancer to over $41,000 in 2008, according to the National Cancer Institute.  The costs for treating cholangiocarcinoma are even higher in my personal experience:  Every trip to the chemo suite carries with it an insurance billing of approximately $9,000 – $14,000 (depending on drugs used), and that is with plan discounts.  This is a 3 time-a-month occurence for me now.  That of course does not include CT scans, lab work or physician consults.  Out of pocket costs for cholangiocarcinoma patients can easily top $10,000 – $15,000/year even with COBRA insurance coverage. 

Here’s how you can act to show your support of this important legislation:  Contact your U.S. Congressperson and two U.S. Senators and let them know that as a voting constituent, you support this important piece of legislation and expect them to support it as well.  It doesn’t carry any cost to the taxpayer as the costs of the premiums are paid by the insured who have elected COBRA coverage with a small fee paid by employers.  Here is a link to a site that will help you to identify your U.S. Congressional Representatives and U.S. Senators if you’re unsure who they are: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

Here is sample verbiage that you can use in a letter or email to your Congressional Representatives and Senators:

Dear Representative/Senator_____:

I am writing you to ask your support of an important piece of legislation that will offer protection to millions of unemployed Americans.  The COBRA Health Benefits Extension Act (H.R. 5324) allows those currently enrolled in COBRA to purchase their insurance beyond the standard eligibility period,  until they either find another job offering coverage or become eligible for the an insurance exchange to be created by the new health reform law.

This bill would not create a burden on taxpayers as the costs would be born by the insured.  It would offer a safety net for those unemployed or self-employed and their families currently relying on COBRA benefits. 

Thank you for supporting this bill.

Respectfully yours,

(name, address, city)

Help for Underinsured Patients!

Patient Advocate Foundation Launches National Underinsured Resource Directory

NPAF’s sister organization, Patient Advocate Foundation, has recently launched a ground-breaking new online tool called the National Underinsured Resource Directory  which is intended to help underinsured individuals and families locate important resources and seek alternative coverage options or methods to cover their healthcare needs.
 
The National Underinsured Resource Directory is available through an online interactive tutorial program, and a written publication that supports the program.  The comprehensive online tool will help underinsured Americans faced with high out-of-pocket costs locate valuable resources and action steps to provide financial relief.
 
“We are pleased to provide this valuable tool to the millions of Americans facing problems securing critical medical care services due to their inadequate health insurance benefits,” said Nancy Davenport-Ennis, Founder and CEO of PAF.  “Patients across the country will be able to gather information from the Q&A and action steps we have put together, improving their access to the quality care they need and deserve.”
 
NPAF and PAF encourage you to utilize the National Underinsured Resource Directory if you are underinsured and struggling to meet out-of-pocket obligations.  In addition, please share information about this valuable resource with your family and friends who may find it beneficial.
 
Patient Advocate Foundation is a national non-profit organization that seeks to safeguard patients through effective mediation assuring access to care, maintenance of employment and preservation of their financial stability relative to their diagnosis of life-threatening, chronic or debilitating diseases.  NPAF and PAF were founded on the principle that health care is a basic human need and shared social responsibility.  If you are a patient in need, for more information visit http://www.patientadvocate.org/ or call PAF toll-free at 1-800-532-5274.

Note: In the spirit of full and open disclosure, I must state that in addition to currently battling my own cancer, I am a volunteer State Policy Liaison with the National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF),  the sister organization to PAF. 
NPAF is a national non-profit organization providing the patient voice in improving access to, and reimbursement for, high-quality healthcare through regulatory and legislative reform at the state and federal levels.  NPAF translates the experience of millions of patients who have been helped by our companion, Patient Advocate Foundation, which provides professional case management services to individuals facing barriers to healthcare access for chronic and disabling disease, medical debt crisis and employment-related issues at no cost.