I was terminated June 8, 2018 2018. My insurance was good until June 30th, at which time I was told that I would receive info about COBRA coverage. The first week of July 2018, I had a meeting with my former HR director, as I had filed an EEO complaint a few days prior to my termination. I told him and the EEO officer at that time in the meeting that I still had not received my paperwork. He stated that I was the second person who stated that, and that he would look into it. I am a diabetic and had previously had two of my left toes amputated prior to my departure. In mid August 2018 I had to have another emergency surgery which subsequently led to my 3rd toe amputation. I again contacted my former employer and was told that COBRA is handled by a 3rd party and to be patient, and they would send out the paperwork. To date I have received no paperwork despite several attempts. I work for a government entity which has over 6,000 employees. I even sent a complaint to HHS as an additional followup, but to no avail. I feel this is part and parcel to the larger issue of my complaint for retaliation, but because I was unable to receive an answer to my questions concerning COBRA, I was unable to sign up for it to obtain my medication. The insulin is vital to my health, and not having insurance to take it contributed greatly to the cause of my second surgery.
I understand that it is up to me to followup on COBRA paperwork, benefits, etc. However, what happens when the employer seems to be retaliating against you even after you are no longer employed with them to the detriment of your health?
I understand that it is up to me to followup on COBRA paperwork, benefits, etc. However, what happens when the employer seems to be retaliating against you even after you are no longer employed with them to the detriment of your health?
