*COBRA Subsidies--A new defense appropriations law extends the 65% COBRA subsidy for unemployed workers. Previously, qualified workers "involuntarily terminated" between September 1, 2008, and December 31, 2009, could claim the discount for employer-provided health insurance for up to nine months. Under the new law, the program is extended to a total of 15 months for terminations through February 28, 2010.

*Workplace Health Issues--Can your company keep employees away from the office due to concerns about the H1N1 flu virus? The Equal Opportunity Employment Commission provides guidelines on this point, as well as several other related issues, in a new fact sheet. You can find "Pandemic Preparedness in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act" at www.eeoc.gov/facts/pandemic_flu.html.

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