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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2010 |
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Contact: Zach Goldberg
202-225-5801 (office) |
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HOUSE PASSES EXTENSION OF UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE, COBRA BENEFITS
Also Prevents Pay Cut For Medicare Physicians
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(Washington, D.C.) – Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) last night helped a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives pass an extension of unemployment benefits and COBRA health subsidies for millions of workers looking for employment. COBRA assistance is extended to the end of May and unemployment insurance is extended through June 2, helping hundreds of thousands of workers.
“My focus remains supporting small businesses and supporting the innovation that creates jobs and fosters sustained long-term economic growth,” Holt said. “Yet, we also have an obligation to those who continue to look for work, but can’t find it. For them, unemployment insurance and COBRA assistance has been a lifeline, and they simply can’t afford to have it run out. Extending these benefits is the right thing to do for our families and our economy.”
According to a recent study from the non-partisan, independent Congressional Budget Office, every dollar spent on unemployment assistance generates $1.90 for the overall economy.
The bill also prevents through the end of May a scheduled 21 percent pay cut for doctors treating Medicare patients.
“I have heard from many Central New Jersey physicians who rightly are concerned about payment cuts and seniors who are understandably worried about a reduction in services. Medicare is a successful and effective program, and it has become a sacred trust between the government and our nation’s retirees. While I’m pleased we’ve acted to protect this important program and the services on which seniors rely, I hope Congress next will secure a long-term solution that ensures proper reimbursement for physicians and access to needed services for Medicare beneficiaries.”
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