The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009.  The ARRA included COBRA subsidies for individuals (and their eligible dependents) who lost their health care coverage due to a recent involuntary job loss. 

On Dec. 19, 2009, President Obama signed into law the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations Act (DAA) which extended and expanded the eligibility provisions of the COBRA subsidy program.  Many USW members who have suffered recent job losses will be able to take advantage of the COBRA subsidy program. 

Therefore, we have made this information available to our laid-off members and urge employers to get the required notices out as quickly as possible. Click here for more details. And click here for our guide to help members in who have unfortunately lost their jobs.