Oregonians who have been sent off from their jobs may continue to receive help paying for health insurance into 2010. The Department of Consumer and Business Services’ insurance division is adopting emergency rules to ensure that suitable Oregonians can continue to get the subsidies past the original Dec.31 expiration date. President Obama signed legislation to extend the health insurance subsidies that are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The program initially included nine months of subsidy, and the new legislation provides and additional six months for people already receiving help, bringing the total to 15 months. The new law also stretches the eligibility period for two months, so people involuntarily terminated through Feb, 28, 2010, can receive 15 months of subsidy. Under the scheme, the government pays 65 percent of monthly premiums for workers who are laid off, assuming their former employer remains in business and continues to offer health insurance. These employees have rights to keep their initial group coverage for a limited time under both state and federal law. Generally, however, they must pay the full cost themselves. With the subsidies, people who qualify pay 35% of the costs and the federal government picks up the remainder of the premium potentially saving hundreds of dollars monthly.