,The Trade Act Health Insurance Subsidy: An Update from the States

The Trade Act Health Insurance Subsidy: An Update from the States


 

Publication Date: December 2003

Publisher: Families USA

Author(s): Adele Bruce; Sonya Schwartz

Research Area: Health

Type: Report

Abstract:

This Issue Brief analyzes the implementation of the new subsidy offered by the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2002 (TAARA) and suggests changes that might strengthen the existing program.

The Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2002 (TAARA), signed into law on August 8, 2002, offers a substantial subsidy towards the purchase of particular types of health insurance coverage for certain workers or retirees who have lost their employer-sponsored health coverage. Although few individuals who have lost health insurance are currently eligible for the TAARA health insurance subsidy, an expanded program built on this model could help many more unemployed and uninsured individuals buy health insurance.