Posted by Indie on July 28, 2004, at 11:25:43
In reply to GENERAL ELECTRIC WONT PAY SICK EMPLOYEE's, posted by CavemanXx on July 27, 2004, at 15:59:11
Hi Caveman,
I am so sorry that you have to go through this. I have been very lucky in this regard. I used to work for Dell and got great short term disability coverage. I applied, they paid 85% of my salary while I was out (for ECT) and insurance covered everything as if I was still on the job.
As for your situation...It is TOTALLY illegal for them to be doing this. I would imagine if you call the representative back and even mention the word lawyer they should straighten up. Barring that: Do you have a good relationship with your boss? If you do, be honest with him. I have always had the policy of being honest about my illness and I have always been treated well. (Maybe I am just lucky, but the world IS more sensitive to mental illness these days. Find out about GEs policies regarding disability (short-term is clear cut, long-term I thing that you usually need disability insurance...not sure on that one though as I have only ever dealt with short term.)
Insurance for large corporations cannot turn you down for mental illness. With independant insurance they have all sorts of loop-holes to avoid paying, but if you have been there for many years, they cannot turn you down. I know that many insurance companies have a policy of turning all claims down the first time. That way they only pay when people fight it...should be illegal, but it happens. Educate yourself as to GEs policies and State law. That is alot to learn, but you can probably get a lawyer to work on the case pro-bono...GE has deep pockets and many lawyers would take such a case and go after them for emotional damage, etc. just so they can get their share of the pie. Again, I think that you even mention the word lawyer to any of them you won't have to go through any of the other hassels.
Fight this!! They are breaking the law.
If you get stuck, drop me a line and let me know what state you are in. I have cousins, one who is a DA and one is a private lawyer. They would be able to point me in the right direction for you to get help.
If it was me though, I would try your boss first. Give him (or her) the benefit of the doubt that they will handle the situation if they have the truth to work with.
Good Luck!!
poster:Indie
thread:371303
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040725/msgs/371635.html