Terminated from job-no health insurance

[options1]

What is the name of your state? MA

I received a letter of termination from my company after I had a mental and physical breakdown due in large part to the stress and demands of the job. My boss was aware of this months before the breakdown. The company has been good to me (although I wonder if it's due to legal reasons, like fearing a lawsuit), and continued to pay me through three hospital stays and months of recovery. We had a meeting, and I explained I could not come back in my prior capacity as my ulcers and subsequent emergency surgery due to those ulcers (which I didn't have before this job), as my doctor adamantly adviced me to quit smoking, drinking and stress/pressure, esp. from my job. As the company is cutting back on staff, they had no other jobs available for me. My last check is May 30th, and that is when my insurance ends as well. I work a part time job now, but that ends June 20th and never carried insurance. As I have a letter of termination, do I have any rights? What do I do? Do I have any help financially or health insurance wise? Due to my many illnesses and surgeries in the past year, I have a lot of medical bills, doctor visits, and lots of prescriptions. I am scared. Thank you.

 

[momm2500]

after May 30th apply for unemployment. second you should be receiving COBRA information on continuing your health insurance with your previous employer. speak with your employer and see if they will be sending you the information on continuing your health insurance. be one step ahead. if you feel this was work related, did you file a workmans compensation form?

 

[cbg]

How long were you out of work, in total? It makes a difference to part of my answer.

 

[options1]

Thanks for your response, but I have another ?

Do you think I am eligible for unemployment even though I worked PT for about 8 weeks? That job ends on the 20th of June as it is a granted position and the money ran out. My employer did send me Cobra information, but I don't understand how people who are unemployeed can pay the amount they need. Mine wants almost 500 a month just for me! I did not file workmans comp. because frankly, I didn't think about it. And I can't say everything was the company's fault; my personal issues contributed as well, plus they have been very good for me. I live in MA, and we are legally required to have insurance--I may have to apply through Mass Health. Thanks so much for your help--iI have no new job lined up, and I need money coming in some how. Any information or suggestions are greatly appreciated!

after May 30th apply for unemployment. second you should be receiving COBRA information on continuing your health insurance with your previous employer. speak with your employer and see if they will be sending you the information on continuing your health insurance. be one step ahead. if you feel this was work related, did you file a workmans compensation form?

 

[options1]

Off and on for about five months!

I was first in the hospital in November. I had gone to my boss in September though, and told him I was overwhelmed, stressed, and physically sick. I came back to work a week before Christmas break started (we had two weeks paid holiday) and I never returned. I ended back in the hospital in January and again two months ago. I don't have another job lined up, and quite honestly, I am very frightened. I moved to MA with my daughters just to take this job after living in NH for 20 years. I have no where to turn, and I don't know what type of assistance is available, or if I would qualify. I have always worked, often times at two jobs raising my daughters alone. I have never NOT worked, and have never needed help. I worked at my last job for six years and only called in sick twice. This has been a nightmare. Any help or knowledge you can bestow on me would be greatly appreciated.

hoh

How long were you out of work, in total? It makes a difference to part of my answer.

 

[cbg]

I'm in MA too.

In MA, the maximum that your employer is required to hold your job is 12 weeks. That's if FMLA applies, and it's unclear if FMLA applied. But since you missed a total of five months, your employer provided you with more time than they were required to under the law even if it did, and if it didn't they were not required to provide any time off at all. If FMLA applied, they were required by law to continue your medical coverage; it had nothing to do with being afraid of a lawsuit. They were simply obeying the law. (If FMLA did not apply, it's still more difficult administratively to cancel your coverage and then reinstate it later - it's simpler to continue the coverage for short term absences.)

It is very difficult to get a stress claim paid under workers comp; I doubt that it's worth your time to try.

The amount that you indicate is about on average for COBRA in our state - in fact, if it was good coverage that's a little on the low side. No one ever claimed that COBRA was cheap, but you have to remember that it's not only people who are unemployed who are provided with COBRA coverage. It's for ANYONE who loses coverage for any reason not related to gross misconduct. At least we have Mass Health as an option. That might be your best bet for now.

If you are medically cleared to work now, I don't see any reason why you should not qualify for unemployment. If you are not, then you will have to wait until your doctor gives you a medical release before the DUA will accept your UI claim.

I understand how scared you are and I'm not unsympathetic, but it does sound as if your employer followed all the applicable laws.