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Worker Health Coverage Protection Act: Free COBRA and Furlough Health Insurance

This act aims to provide free health insurance for individuals who lost their jobs or were furloughed between March 2020 and September 2021. Eligible individuals will not have to pay premiums for their health insurance continuation, helping them maintain access to medical care. The act also introduces the option to switch to a different health plan offered by the employer, under certain conditions.
Key points
Eligible individuals for COBRA continuation coverage or furlough continuation coverage will pay 0% of premiums from March 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021.
Option to enroll in a different group health plan offered by the employer, provided the premium does not exceed the original plan's premium and it's offered to active employees.
The person to whom premiums are payable (such as the employer or plan) will receive a tax credit for the premiums not paid by eligible individuals.
Penalties are introduced for failing to notify the health plan about the cessation of eligibility for premium assistance.
Special enrollment periods for health plans offered through Exchanges will be available after the premium assistance expires.
Premium assistance will not be considered income or resources for determining eligibility for other federal and state programs.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_263
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Process start date: 2021-02-04
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-3-pro-preview
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Worker Health Coverage Protection Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_S_263.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-02-04.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Eligible individuals for COBRA continuation coverage or furlough continuation coverage will pay 0% of premiums from March 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021.
  • Option to enroll in a different group health plan offered by the employer, provided the premium does not exceed the original plan's premium and it's offered to active employees.
  • The person to whom premiums are payable (such as the employer or plan) will receive a tax credit for the premiums not paid by eligible individuals.
  • Penalties are introduced for failing to notify the health plan about the cessation of eligibility for premium assistance.
  • Special enrollment periods for health plans offered through Exchanges will be available after the premium assistance expires.
  • Premium assistance will not be considered income or resources for determining eligibility for other federal and state programs.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2026-01-02.

CATEGORIES

Health Labor Benefits