It was good news for a large number of people when Obama passed the stimulus bill which would result in the Federal Government subsidizing a large portion of the cost of COBRA insurance coverage for those who had recently lost their job. This would help take some burden off of state programs designed to provide health insurance for those who could not afford their own. By subsidizing COBRA, it placed health insurance within the reach of far more people who could now afford a portion of what used to be a prohibitively high cost. Unforuntately, it has come to light that employers must pay the full cost of the program up front, and then be reimbursed. This may eliminate the ability of many smaller companies from participating in the progam and offering the benefit. Will the stimulus plan still be effective despite this complication?