As the COBRA program's expiration inches closer, more and more Americans who have lost their jobs as a part of strict cost cutting across firms of the country are growing worried about the coming times. Under the program, which will begin phasing out next week, unemployed Americans were saving hundreds of dollars every month, something which they will have to give up on now.

As part of the COBRA plan, people who lose their jobs can continue health coverage for a minimum of 18 months, continuing with the same plans they had with their employers.

Under the relief program, the Government takes up 65% of the total COBRA premium's cost for 9 months, leaving only about 35% for the customers. The plan started on March 1, as a part of the state initiated drive to help all American who had borne the brunt of recession. But now, as the expiry of the plan comes closer, people are growing more worried with every passing minute.

"When that lifeline is no longer available, a lot of people will drown and they will become uninsured", said Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA, a private, nonprofit group in Washington which focusing on health care.

The Government is now being urged to look into a possible extension of the scheme.