Healthcare costs

[Edwina's Secretary]

Today I had to tell two employees of a client of mine they are terminated. Both are in their 50's. Both provide income...and sooo important...medical benefits for them and thier families.

Of course I told them about their COBRA rights. But I know...that after rent and food...there will not be the $600 to $800 per month to pay for the insurance. They will be fortunate if unemployment covers the rent.

Speaking of COBRA...do you know if your employer discontinues medical insurance - for whatever reason ---- including going out of business there is no COBRA? COBRA benefits are through the employer not the insurance company - so if the employer no longer has insurance - you no longer have COBRA rights.

I suppose some might think it the "fault" of these two people today who lost their jobs and their medical insurance...and the medical insurance of their families.

I don't.

[blue]

I suppose some might think it the "fault" of these two people today who lost their jobs and their medical insurance...and the medical insurance of their families.

What?

[Nomilynn]

I was unemployed for 8 months. I had medical coverage that entire time. I was able to see my doctor, get blood work, go to the hospital if I needed, without worry. I am a diabetic, so I need to have regular work done frequently. That isn't my fault. It's also not my fault that I was laid off. Yet I should be denied medical care because of this?

The system here may not be perfect, but it's sure better than what is in the US. My parents lived there for 12 years, and I saw how hard it was for people. The longest I've had to wait to see my GP? 4 days. And that was because he was on holidays.