Can my health insurance be canceled while I’m on aleave of absence in a treatment center?
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Can my health insurance be canceled while I’m on aleave of absence in a treatment center?
I talked with my supervisor and explained I was going to check into a alcohol treatment center. He was very supportive and thought it a great idea. I had been employed for just over 6 months and had health insurance. I checked in 4 1/2 months ago and was discharged about 3 weeks later. I went to the pharmacy and was told my insurance coverage was canceled by my employer several days before. I am strictly commission sales and had always paid my insurance out of my check. Due to the fact I was in a treatment center I had no commission made for that 2 week period. I now have unpaid health bills, is this legal?
Asked on June 28, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Alabama
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You should speak with an employment law attorney--you may have a cause of action to force the employer to pick up the medical costs.
First, as a general matter: an employer is NOT obligated to maintain insurace for someone who leaves work for any reason; indeed, an employer is not obligated to even maintain employment as a general matter for someone who can't work. So as a general proposition, the employer did not have to preserve your job or your insurance.
However, that said, an agreement to hold your job or to maintain your coverage must be honored. If you spoke with a supervisor and he encouraged you to take the leave, it may be that you can show that there was effectively an agreement to maintain your coverage.
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