Congress definitely turned its back on older workers when it passed the economic stimulus package. What a disappointment the provisions for health care insurance coverage for older workers turn out to be.
Because older workers are often the last hired and first laid off, older workers were often among those laid off early in this recession. Despite this, Congress provided assistance with COBRA payments only for those lucky enough to be laid off on or after September 1, 2008. If you are like me and were laid off in April 2008, you are out of luck.
Likewise, Congress did nothing to help older workers unlikely to be able to afford coverage after their COBRA coverage expires. While the House initially wanted to ensure workers age 55 or over could buy COBRA coverage until eligible for Medicare, the Senate version included no such help for older workers. Ultimately, Congress hung older workers out to dry when it passed the final bill--there was no provision in the stimulus act that would ensure older workers could get COBRA coverage for more than 18 months if needed to weather this recession.
Thanks a lot Congress. Older workers voted for the Dems and the Dems have now turned their backs on us.