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A bill to expand COBRA health insurance through an option to continue coverage after employment receives a public hearing before the Insurance and Financial Services Committee
March 19, 2003
AUGUSTA—The Legislature’s Insurance and Financial Services Committee heard testimony Tuesday at a public hearing on a bill to provide continued access to health insurance coverage for employees of small businesses. If enacted, the bill would expand COBRA coverage to include businesses with fewer than twenty employees. COBRA allows employees to pay for their own health insurance for a period of time after leaving a job where they have had health coverage.
Rep. Bonita Breault (D-Buxton), prime sponsor of the legislation, said, “The intention of this bill is to provide employees with an option to continue health insurance coverage at their own expense when leaving a job, without financially impacting small businesses.” House Assistant Majority Leader Robert Duplessie (D-Westbrook), co-sponsor of the bill, said, “This proposal provides coverage for employees at their own expense. We are attempting to expand health care coverage for Maine residents, and this is a step in that process.”
The bill is also co-sponsored by Sen. Art Mayo of Sagadahoc, Rep. Marilyn Canavan of Waterville, Rep. Chris O’Neil of Saco, Rep. Joe Perry of Bangor, Rep. Richard Woodbury of Yarmouth, Rep. Florence Young of Limestone, and Sen. Lloyd LaFountain of York. The work session is scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2003, in room 427 of the State House.
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