By Cindy Hadish
The Gazette
For many Americans, losing a job means losing health insurance.
A new report shows why most workers who are laid off are destined to join the ranks of the uninsured despite the availability of extended health insurance coverage.
High costs are to blame.
The report by the consumer health organization, Families USA, points to the unaffordability of COBRA coverage, under which laid-off workers can retain their employer-sponsored insurance if those workers pay the full cost.
In 41 states, COBRA family premiums, on average, consume more than three-fourths of average unemployment benefits, according to the report.
Iowa is no exception.
Family premiums in Iowa average $991, or 76.8 percent of the $1,290 in average unemployment benefits.
Singles fare better, with premiums averaging $369, or 28.6 percent of the $1,290 average monthly unemployment benefit.
Have you encountered difficulties affording COBRA health coverage? Contact reporter Cindy Hadish at (319) 398-8428 or cindy.hadish@gazcomm.com