HAWAII, Health Insurance neglected by employer

[rs_omen]

Hawaii.

To the best of my knowledge in Hawaii any employee who works at least 20 hours per week is supposed to receive Health Insurance coverage paid by employer.

I work in a store-like environment and I am currently the only employee. In December of 2006 my employer decided to change insurance company for his group plan and since my HMSA was canceled with the end of that year I have no insurance at all. My continued requests for update on a situation met with vague answers (e.g. "It's almost done..." or "Soon"). My boss changed his mind in the process and decided to go back to HMSA. I have been waiting for six months and finally this month I got my insurance.

Unfortunately during those 6 months I had to go to Emergency Room and as of now I have almost $2,500 in medical bills

I was wondering if there is anyone in this forum either a victim of similar situation or an attorney who could advise me what action should I take. I am thinking about asking my boss to cover at least 50% of my medical bills but I would like to be prepared and be able to present some kind of legal document which states my rights as an employee in Hawaii.

I would appreciate any helpful response.
Mahalo!

[moburkes]

It is called the Prepaid Health Care Act. Do you get paid more than $628/week? If so, contact the department of insurance for your state to file a complaint. The problem is that you will probably have to sue your employer to get your med bills paid. No insurance company is going to backdate coverage AND your premiums for those 6 months would be due as well.

Again, the is all dependent upon how much money you make.

[TIMMAAYY]

According to their site she they should file with the Department of Labor, not the Department of Insurance.

[url]http://www.hawaii.gov/labor/dcd/aboutphc.shtml[/url]

[moburkes]

Thanks for the catch. I didn't even look - I just gave the "customary" answer.