The change will extend the nine month, 65 percent premium subsidy by six months, therefore applying to those involuntarily terminated up until February 28, 2010. The legislation also provides another six months of coverage at the subsidized premium rate for those whose nine month subsidy has already run out, for a total of 15 months of premium subsidy.
Those whose subsidy expired in the past and did not pay the full COBRA premium would not be able to receive retroactive coverage. Employers are required to notify current and future COBRA eligible employees of the new premium subsidy extension.