Pennsylvania Senate backs expansion of COBRA health benefits

Employees laid off by small companies will soon be eligible for COBRA health benefits under a bill given final approval by the Pennsylvania Senate. Currently, only those who worked for companies employing more than 20 people are eligible for COBRA, a federal benefit that extends health coverage under the employer's insurance plan for up to 18 months. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell said he would sign the bill, making Pennsylvania the 41st state with a "mini-COBRA" program.