Insurance aid for the newly unemployed

Individuals who lost their jobs in the last several months may be eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance coverage at greatly reduced rates. The federal government will pay 65% of COBRA continuation coverage premiums as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The coverage will apply to individuals who lost or lose their jobs between Sept. 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2009 and are eligible for continuing coverage under COBRA.