I 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 694 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 26, 2009 Mr. Sestak introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To extend temporarily the 18-month period of continuation coverage under group health plans required under COBRA continuation coverage provisions so as to provide for a total period of continuation coverage of up to 24 months.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the COBRA Coverage Extension Act of 2009.

2.

Temporary extension of basic period of COBRA continuation coverage from 18 months to 24 months

(a)

In general

In any case in which an individual is eligible for and has elected continuation coverage under a COBRA continuation coverage provision as of the date of the enactment of this Act and the period of continuation coverage applicable with respect to such individual under such provision would (but for this section) end before the end of the period of 12 calendar months following the date of the enactment of this Act by reason of a limitation under such provision of such coverage to 18 months after the date of the qualifying event, such limitation shall be extended to the earlier of— (1)the end of such period of 12-calendar months, or (2)24 months after the date of the qualifying event. (b)

COBRA continuation coverage provision

For purposes of this section, the term COBRA continuation coverage provision means— (1)part 6 of subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, (2)title XXII of the Public Health Service Act, (3)section 4980B of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or (4)section 8905a of title 5, United States Code.