Carcieri signs COBRA bill into law

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Governor Carcieri signed legislation Thursday morning that would allow some unemployed workers to collect discounted benefits through the COBRA insurance program, even if they had previously opted out.

Workers from companies that have closed or have fewer than 20 workers and who have lost their jobs on or after Sept. 1, 2008 are now eligible for Rhode Island Extended Benefits, otherwise known as Mini COBRA.

Under the legislation, stimulus money from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act will be used to help pay 65 percent of health insurance premiums for eligible laid-off workers.

Cariceri said the law would make good use of federal stimulus money by helping the state meet the needs of Rhode Islanders.

"This is about giving hundreds of Rhode Islanders the tools they need to ensure their health and well-being and reduce expenses during these hard economic times," said Carcieri during a news conference at the State House.

Those who want to collect benefits through the program have until May 1 to enroll and must contact their health insurance provider.  They can also visit the Office of the Health Commissioner website for more information.