Bill would extend jobless benefits up to 99 weeks

WASHINGTON - Lawmakers have agreed to extend expanded jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed through the end of the year. Laid-off workers would also continue to get subsidies to buy health insurance through the COBRA program.

Unemployment benefits for many will start to run out June 2, unless Congress acts. The bill would extend unemployment benefits for up to 99 weeks in many states, including New York, at a cost of $47 billion.

The bill would also extend, for a year, about 50 popular tax cuts, some for individuals, but largely to help businesses, that expired in January, House and Senate leaders announced Thursday.

Lawmakers agreed to delay cuts in Medicare payments for seniors until 2014, when they will have to address the issue again. The bill would also provide $24 billion to states to help cover Medicaid costs for the poor.

The House could vote on the bill as early as Friday, with the Senate voting next week.

The agreement was good news for Lisa DeVine, 48, of Huntington, who was laid off from her job as a marketing manager last July and has been looking for work. She pays $600 a month to cover herself and her partner through COBRA.

"The COBRA supplements are very, very helpful," said DeVine, who had worked at a publishing company for 19 years. "I think it would be double what I'm paying now."

Health insurance coverage was important for DeVine, who dealt with a serious illness in December and January. She was able to continue her job search while treating her illness and has recovered. She's optimistic about her search.

"I think it's opening up from what I can see," DeVine said.