National Emergency Grants for States with High Unemployment

“Searching for a new job is difficult enough without worrying about paying for health expenses out-of-pocket if the job seeker or a family member needs medical attention,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

For whom would you like to remove the stress of health expenses?  Perhaps, you have a family member you wish could go to the doctor without worrying about pre-existing conditions.  Maybe there was something in the tone of a job candidate’s voice that made you think he or she was particularly in need of work so that they could receive medical attention.

In an effort to help states struggling to deal with high unemployment, the government has been issuing National Emergency Grants to states that apply and are deemed in need.  The latest state to receive such a grant is West Virginia.

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a $500,000 National Emergency Grant to provide an estimated 500 jobless workers in West Virginia with partial premium payments for health insurance coverage.

Secretary Solis said, “Helping these West Virginians ‘bridge the gap’ between jobs and maintain affordable insurance coverage is one way we can support the state’s working families during this challenging time.”

The grant will be provide payment for health insurance to unemployed individuals who are receiving Trade Adjustment Assistance benefits and are eligible for the Health Coverage Tax Credit.  Through the HCTC, individuals can receive 65 percent of premium costs for qualified health insurance programs.