What's the deal with COBRA insurance?

Would someone in Washington please explain this to me? Regarding the new $787 billion stimulus package, who specifically decided on the date for government help of up to 65 percent of COBRA payments for those who have been unemployed since September of 2008?

And, my fellow readers, did you know that if you didn't sign up for COBRA after November, you'll have 60 days, courtesy of the government, to sign up for benefits?

Hello ... what about the rest of us? I was under the impression the economy started tanking in 2007. I have been searching for a job since May of 2008 along with the thousands of others. I've been paying for COBRA for myself and my husband who is self-employed, and it's been quite a struggle to pay our bills.

I had the forethought to inquire about rates for private insurance because Cobra is only an 18-month program, and to my dismay, we will be paying quite a bit more for coverage with fewer benefits.

I'm hoping to secure employment before then, but if the economy worsens, time will not be kind to my husband and me. We could find ourselves without medical insurance.

I know there are plenty of people worse off then us, and I feel bad for them. I am thankful we still have a roof over our heads and food on our table.

But, God forbid, if I don't find a job and my husband's business doesn't pick back up, we could lose our medical insurance coverage.

Did anyone in Washington take the time to see the bigger picture and consider those left behind? Send the reporters over, I can probably assure you there are plenty of people like me who would love to voice their opinion on issues we essentially have no voice or control over.

Caryle L. Sistos

Roselle