Posted on 08/25/2007 8:28:16 AM PDT by MSSC6644
I hope I'm putting this in the correct place. I need information. I was just terminated (love the use of that word) for what could be considered "gross misconduct" (I "hurt the feelings" and spoke "in a mean way" to my boss). I had been working at a church. Although I have not been notified, I do not believe I am eligible for COBRA because I was working at a church and because I was terminated for "gross misconduct."
Also, I need a job. I believe I'd probably be better off trying to work from home. I am the primary care-giver for my 96-year-old father.
I have excellent skills. My primary difficulty seems to be that I can't keep my thoughts to myself. I am offended when my advice is asked for and then either dismissed or, at the very least, ignored. I admit, I am not ordinary. I have very high, some might say extraordinarily high, standards of performance -- especially for myself. I am conscientious to a fault. I worry a lot; but I produce great results, particularly when I am allowed to be part of determining the goal and setting the protocol.
I create beautiful publications that are well written. I can do data entry fairly quickly and accurately. My organizational and analytical skills are superb. I have a track record of increasing membership in organizations, of leading a team of teachers to a better understanding of goals and a concept of working together. I know how and where to find people to get the job done. I am an excellent judge of character (my sensibility to the true nature of others almost frightens me). I have been blessed with an abundance of creativity and vision.
Any ideas, comments or help would be appreciated. I'm kind of at a low point, and I don't know where else to go for help. Thanks for reading this.
:-) That disease runs among a lot of us.
You’d think I would have learned by now. I just can’t seem to stop myself from saying “something cute” or being facetious. One thing I’ve learned is that my sense of irony is never or seldom appreciated by those who are the target.
1. What state are you in?
2. Were you full time, part time, independent contractor? The definition of full time varies by state.
3. If the Church has insurance through an open market product, you probably are eligible for COBRA if you were a full time employee. If the Church has a self insurance product through your denomination, depends on more variables than I can help you with.
4. You need to apply for COBRA within 30 days in most states to make sure you don’t have a lapse in coverage.
5. It usually works that you will have to pay full premium PLUS (at the discretion of the ex-employer) several percentage of your premium for a service fee.
I can’t give you much more without knowing what state you are in. If you were full time and on the ex-employer’s coverage, getting COBRA should be your right.
You got fired because you hurt someone’s feelings.....hard to believe thats all it was.
You are 63 with an ADA recognized disability you should be on medicare and you can collect social security.
How about posting your resume on monster.com.
Next time keep you mouth shut.
There are lots of health care plans out there do an internet search, oh yea keep your mouth shut.
Use Of Insulin Pen May Save Diabetics Thousands Of Dollars
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070820170139.htm
Also, take a look at the drug companies’ own free or low-cost drug programs. Many cut costs enormously.
Be sure to also check with places such as Wal-mart for $4 prescriptions on hundreds of drugs.
Try to get yourself healthier, too. Exercise and eat better and you can undo some of the things you may have acquired over the years. It’s the hardest way, but it’s the best.
For way too long, I was forced to keep my mouth shut when I worked for a couple of absolute fools, who could only "lead" troops by threat, not by ability. This was officers and NCOs alike. Some complete and utter morons. I now do not have that threat of getting court-martialed hanging over my mouth. If I don't like it, then I am free to speak now. Man, it is nice.
You might want to go with COBRA for a month or two which will give you more time to do research to find a better insurer or deal.
“I do not believe I am eligible for COBRA...”
If you had health insurance provided by your company I would bet you are eligible. Contact the Division of Insurance in your state and ask them if you eligible, what the rules are, and how to get signed up with COBRA.
Thanks so much for the positive and helpful response. I was working in Missouri. I was considered full-time, although I often worked just 36 hours per week, which was under contract until July 1. My insurance was with Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
The church or diocese has not notified me that I am eligible for COBRA; that’s another reason I fear I may not be.
36 hours a week should make you eligible. You have two options, try both.
Call the 800 number on the back of your insurance card (or inside your health insurance (acceptance letter)/(renewal letter) package and tell them your situation.
Call your diocese HR and ask for the tel. number of the insurance agent for your health plan. The insurance agent will get you what you need in way of applications. Agents are not keen to intercede in messy firings, but they are (at least in NJ/NY) required to provide the information to get you on COBRA.
Either or both should get you the application forms and give you a better understanding of your current situation, and the full monthly prices of your COBRA options.
Thanks for your great responses. I am not on insulin, although I was diagnosed in 1994. I do take two drugs for the diabetes. I am in relatively good health. I see my doctor 4 times a year — have the necessary blood tests. My heart, bp, liver, kidney are all good.
I have lost about 35 pounds in the last 15 months. I am still losing, but quite slowly.
I will start getting those drugs I can at Wal-Mart or another pharmacy that charges just $4 for them.
I’ve checked the web pages of the state and federal gov’ts. Believe it or not, my firing was so traumatic, and definitely unexpected, that I left the “letter” citing the reasons on my desk as I was escorted from the building.
Because I have received no notice from either the diocese or the church that I am to receive COBRA, I don’t think I am eligible. On the fed site there is a statement that those employed by churches are not covered under federal statute. I hope I misunderstood.
Thank you again for your information and the sane manner of presentation. I will do the 800# on the insurance card as the HR person at the diocese was never helpful to me and could be, I believe, part of what I see as a complete charade to get rid of a traditional, orthodox Catholic who was stupid enough to accept a job working for and with two extremely liberal, heterodox "bosses."
Perhaps you are overly defensive around authority? Was mom or dad always nagging or critiquing you? Whatever the reason, let it go, pray on it, and treat people like the imperfect being you are, with some compassion.
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