On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed an economic stimulus package that was intended to get our economy back on track and help Americans who are suffering through these difficult times. A provision in the stimulus package reduces Cobra premiums by 65% for those who lost their jobs after the arbitrary date of September 1, 2008. This subsidy only lasts for 9 months - a full nine months short of the time needed to become eligible for most states high risk insurance pools. Millions of Americans who lost their jobs prior to September 1, 2008 could not afford Cobra. Millions more elected Cobra but have now depleted their resources and can not continue on. Still millions more with pre-existing conditions who rely on cobra to bridge the 18 month gap between their former employers insurance and their state's high risk insurance pools are struggling to pay their premiums every month to prevent being locked out of insurance permanently. With each passing day, the situation grows worse. Please join us in asking Congress and the Obama administration to eliminate the arbitrary September 1, 2008 cut-off date and 9 month limitation of assistance by signing this petition and telling your friends about our efforts. Emel & Troy Breiland

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