We know the COBRA regulations can be confusing for both employers and former employers. You are not alone, help is on our user board.

Key points about the COBRA Stimulus bill:

Employers are required to send out notices to employees who qualify for the subsidy. The notices put them on notice they know they can take advantage and elect that coverage or if they've already elected coverage their premium will be reduced;

The perk lasts for only nine months and applies to people who are laid off between September first 2008 and December 31 of 2009;

To be eligible annual income cannot exceed $125,000 for a single person and $250,000 for a couples;

65% of existing COBRA premiums will be subsidized by the U.S. Treasury Department, via a refundable tax credit, directly to the COBRA administrators;

If you declined COBRA coverage after September 1, 2008 you will have the option to re-enroll into COBRA with the above subsides;

If you've already started paying for the coverage you won't get any credit for what you've already paid...But you will only be responsible for 35% of the future premiums;

If you voluntarily quit or if you were for some reason terminated for gross misconduct then you're not eligible for the subsidy;

Subsidies will only apply to COBRA premiums paid after the effective date of February 17, 2009 and there will be no refund of premiums prior to this date;

If you worked for a smaller employer, COBRA only applies to employers with 20 or more employees; and

Subsidies will terminate (along with the COBRA continuation coverage) if the enrollee acquires a new health insurance plan through another employer or is eligible for Medicare.

Studies show the average monthly COBRA premium for individual coverage is about $400. 30 percent of monthly unemployment benefits.

If you are still confused about the COBRA Stimulus bill, post your question to the message board, and go over terms you should know. There are also Financial Links and Attorney Directory available for additional advise.