Can my employer cancel my health insurance when I am disabled. They charged me full cost..no income to pay fo

Question

been off work since April. FMLA...I paid in my regular employee share. They started billing me full cost for August on. I was able to pay for two months approx 3000 total. I have no income and they cancelled me in December retroactive to October 1st. I asked for more time or to pay when I got back to work... they said no and cancelled my policy. They also denied my short term disability. And my long term policy was rejected as my short term was denied (same company but I pay premiums for the long term).....

Answer 1

Unfortunately, they can.  If you are not working, most employers will not continue to pay group health insurance premiums for you and there is no law that compels them to do so.  If you do not pay the full premium, they will drop you.

Answer 2

I understand that you have no money for premium. You may want to investigate what coverage options are availble to you.  

Also, however, if you have medical bills, it may make sense to get insurance, even if it is expensive, just to continue to get your even more expensive medical care.  

There are lots of programs available for those with no income or assets.  Contact the folks below to find out what actions to need to take IMMEDIATELY to protect those rights. It is the national uninsured helpline, a non-profit organization that has access to insurance options in most states.  Please call them right away, since you may still be able to work within your 63 day window to get new coverage.  

If you call their number, ask for Ernie, since he is the manager and is very helpful.

Answer 3

yes they can.  they won't continue to pay your insurance premiums for you.  you need to get an attorney if you are truely disabled and go after your insurance company but it's not your employers responsibility to pay for insurance for you.