“Millions of Americans who lost their jobs in this economic crisis depend on unemployment and health insurance benefits to get by as they look for work and get themselves back on their feet…But as I requested in my budget, I urge Congress to move quickly to extend these benefits through the end of this year.” - President Obama
President Obama has signed a bill with a jobless aid extension that will go up to June 2, 2010. The same bill also returns full Medicaid payments to qualified medical practitioners.
A possible lifesaver
Many government aid programs have been exhausted by people caught in the current crisis, including federal flood insurance, higher payments from Medicare funding to doctors and important health insurance assistance for the unemployed.
This jobless benefits aid extension hopes to lift some of the suffering from those who are most affected. Affected people can now reapply and receive the unemployment assistance retroactively. If you’ve used up your 26 weeks of benefits, then now is the time to reapply so you will at least be able to get your monthly check again, at least until June 2. The average monthly jobless benefits payment now stands at $355.
Healthcare Assistance
Before the bill was signed, Medicare had announced that it would start paying doctors their Medicare claims at a rate that was 21% lower than the established rate. However, the bill has nullified that with the earmarking for more funds.
The COBRA healthcare subsidy has also been extended, so that people can apply or reapply for as much as 65% assistance on healthcare premiums that qualify under the program’s guidelines.
Sign up on the box at the right for more information and options for jobless benefits and aid extension.
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