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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by CavemanXx on July 27, 2004, at 15:59:11
Hi,
I used to be on Psycobabble about a year ago or more.
I've got some big problems:I'm on temporary disabilty (sick leave due to anxiety and major deppresion), from work and the insurance won't pay the benefits that I'm entitled to.
This is not so terrible in itself, however, something worse yet, based on this decision by GE DISABILTY CENTER, the company I work for, GENERAL ELECTRIC considers me AWOL and can fire me after 24 years on the job!
Why are these big companys so devious? What happened to workers rights? What happened to the U.S. Constitution? I guess money talks, like the saying goes!
I thought I would be OK because I cashed in some of my IRA savings. But NOW, the check is late! I think this is GE's doing!
I have 3 kids and a homemaker wife. Now we have no food in the house, no gas in the car, no money for meds. Nothing for rent.
My Psychiatrist is the best in the state of Wisconsin. But the"Physician advisor", Dr. Dean Knudson at the GE Disability Benefits Center, who made this crazy decision, seems to know more about my condition than my Psychiatrist! With only a 20 minute phone call to my Psychiatrist, This insurance co. Dr advisor Dean Knudson apparently made a better diagnoses of me. Even though I have been seeing my Psychiatrisr for 4 years!
Dr. Knudson obviously never heard of Nardil, so he wrote on my report: "The employees condition is being managed with Paxil"
I have never been on Paxil! I also found about 10 more totally erroneous sentences/statements on that report! How can they make life altering decisions when they don't even have the patience to get the facts straight? This is abuse in it's purest form! They probably saw the word mental on the form and put it in the reject file
My Psychiatrist could not believe that I was rejected by the insurance co! In fact he said that he thinks their minds were made up way before my claim was submitted!!
I could really use some advice!
Thanks,
CavemanXx
Posted by kellyr. on July 27, 2004, at 17:26:57
In reply to GENERAL ELECTRIC WONT PAY SICK EMPLOYEE's, posted by CavemanXx on July 27, 2004, at 15:59:11
welcome back to babble. sorry about your work problems, maybe you could get a free lawyer though the state to fight them. If this is how GE treats people that work for them soo many years then i'm not going to buy from them anymore.And for food go to the closes food bank, the welfare office will know where they are. and some help w/ bills too. good luck tell me how it goes.
kellyr.
Posted by step on July 27, 2004, at 23:53:47
In reply to GENERAL ELECTRIC WONT PAY SICK EMPLOYEE's, posted by CavemanXx on July 27, 2004, at 15:59:11
Excuse me? I'm glad I don't live in America! In Canada our employers are not legally entitled to know anything about our doctors and/or current medical situations. I could have cancer, depression, whatever. There is no need for them to know what, only that I'm sick. My doctor is very confidential, even though I'm only a university student.
I hope things work out for you. It just doesn't seem fair. :(
Posted by Emme on July 28, 2004, at 0:15:40
In reply to GENERAL ELECTRIC WONT PAY SICK EMPLOYEE's, posted by CavemanXx on July 27, 2004, at 15:59:11
This is bad. What a horrible horrible thing to have to deal with when your resistance is down. Kelly is right. You need legal advice. There will be free legal services somewhere in your city or county. I found ours when I called the local tenants' rights group over landlord issues.
Call the utility company. They will know whom to contact to apply for energy assistance.
As Kelly said, head to the local food bank.
Apply for food stamps if you qualify.Can you start getting an application in the pipeline for SSD?
I've seen needymeds.com mentioned for getting info on how to get your meds from the companies under patient assistance programs. If you are taking a low enough dose of anything, can your pdoc give you samples?
If it gets to the point of rent payment potentially leading to your landlord trying to evict you, you should have rights. There may be provisions in the law for hardship cases. There are where I live. Legal services could help you there - if it comes to that - I just mention it as a worst case scenario.
Are you and the rest of your family still covered by insurance for other things like sore throats and the like? If there's a problem there, I have friends who have actually gotten pretty good care from community free health clinics.
That's all I can think of at the moment. Keep us posted.
I won't buy anything from GE again.
Emme
Posted by CavemanXx on July 28, 2004, at 1:24:15
In reply to Re: GENERAL ELECTRIC WONT PAY SICK EMPLOYEE's, posted by Emme on July 28, 2004, at 0:15:40
Thanks Everyone! You know, I was told the same thing about the company not having any right to know about your illness, as long as you have a Dr. excuse. It could very well still be the law too. But it seems like some people are above the law. And nobody will do a thing to stop them. Now it seems like the whole company knows about my illness.This country is going back to the days of monarchy and slavery. Most jobs pay, >at the most< little more than $10.00 an hour w/ no benefits. This is getting close to slavery!
My 19 yr. old son told me that you have to have a college degree to manage a submarine sandwich shop!
I said too much. I hope I didn't offend or make anyone deppresed. $10.00 hour isn't bad if you already have a house and car paid for. I feel sorry for the young people starting off with nothing. Unless they have rich parents, they will strugle for a lifetime!!!
CavemanXx
Posted by AuntieMel on July 28, 2004, at 10:27:46
In reply to GENERAL ELECTRIC WONT PAY SICK EMPLOYEE's, posted by CavemanXx on July 27, 2004, at 15:59:11
Argh. I had to go through the short term disability paperwork nightmare my self, but they were a bit more cooperative. Having just come out of a hospital didn't hurt.
The person handling your information is probably a case manager hired by the insurance company. Most insurance companies have them these days. Their job is to be the go-between for you and the employer so that personal things *can* be kept confidential.
If your medical information is being spread all over the company without you signing a clearance it is more than likely *someone* (likely HR) has broken a law. But getting anything done about it is difficult, and I'm not sure it is worth it at this time. The focus should be on getting your benefits.
Have you tried calling GE's benefits administration office? Making a contact there is crucial. You should explain (IMPORTANT: don't sound angry or they will think you don't sound sick) the following things:
1) Your diagnosis - offer to have the doctor fax them a letter.
2) You feel uncomfortable returning to work until your doctor clears you. (this one usually gets them - it's a HUGE liability for them to let you come to work without a clearance. I wasn't even allowed to come in for a meeting, and my supervisors weren't allowed to call me asking when I was going to return)
3) The difficulties you are having with the case manager not approving the disability and the errors in the report. Stick to the big ones and summarize the rest with 'a lot of little things not worth mentioning' but be sure to save some little ones in case they call you on it.
4) The breach of confidentiality and how uncomfortable you are now that your co-workers know about your illness.
5) The financial hardship you are going through because of these actions. DON'T go into future employability - they won't care, so why waste your breath.Be sure to get the name and address of the benefits rep. Take notes while you are talking and follow it up with a recap letter.
This is a big enough company that they will sit up and take notice. They don't want the publicity.
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!!
Posted by TexasChic on July 28, 2004, at 12:22:41
In reply to GENERAL ELECTRIC WONT PAY SICK EMPLOYEE's, posted by CavemanXx on July 27, 2004, at 15:59:11
Sounds like a lawsuit to me! I would try to find a lawyer who will work pro bono. Sometimes those who are above the law can be knocked down a notch or two. Look at Martha Stewart!
I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. The other responses were good advice. I hope it works out for you.
Posted by Shadowplayers721 on July 28, 2004, at 22:17:36
In reply to GENERAL ELECTRIC WONT PAY SICK EMPLOYEE's, posted by CavemanXx on July 27, 2004, at 15:59:11
I too am in the work comp system. It is awful. It feels like you are powerless. My psych eval was get this 3 hours and 20 min. This guy wanted to know the name of the hospital I was born in, my in-laws occupations, the sexes of my siblings children to name a few outrageous questions. The questioning was unlike anything I have EVER been through. I asked my pdoc about it. She said he was doing like a forensic test, but he shouldn't have gone on so long with NO BREAKS! It was terrible. I get emotional just thinking about it.
Let me tell you, the work comp system is an awful place to be as you know. Here is a website to check out http://www.injuredworker.org/
Posted by deirdrehbrt on July 29, 2004, at 21:47:34
In reply to Re: GENERAL ELECTRIC WONT PAY SICK EMPLOYEE's, posted by Shadowplayers721 on July 28, 2004, at 22:17:36
There are some things to know about GE. They don't have to follow most insurance laws. GE is self-insured. At least the part I worked for is. Because of this, insurance law doesn't apply. They technically aren't purchasing insurance from an insurance company. Even if you have Blue Cross, it is funded by GE, not by Blue Cross, and only administered by BC.
As far as declaring you AWOL, you might have a fight there. You have doctor's orders, and you shouldn't lose your job for being sick. There is the FMLA, and the ADA. These, even GE has to deal with.
I would be careful about what you say about lawyers though. GE has more lawyers on staff than most cities have as residents. (large cities) You don't want to get in their sights too soon.
If you have friends in the HR department of your facility, you might want to let them know what's going on. They might be able to run interference for you.I wish you well. You shouldn't have to be going througg this.
Good luck sweety.
Dee.
Posted by sageblue on July 31, 2004, at 21:37:09
In reply to GENERAL ELECTRIC WONT PAY SICK EMPLOYEE's, posted by CavemanXx on July 27, 2004, at 15:59:11
hello,
i live in wisconsin myself. here's an action plan:
i would get an employment lawyer to help with this. even if you have to cash in some of your 401k to pay for it.
what part of wisconsin are you in? i'm assuming waukesha/milwaukee? (don't worry, i have no idea who you are -- i'm a madison liberal who rarely leaves town.) i can tell you that you may be able to find referrals from the law project for low income people at the university of wisconsin, the "neighborhood law project." they are at (608) 260-8221 or (608) 271-9426.
i'm not sure if i'm allowed to do this on this site, but my friend had great luck with Atty. Tamara Packard at Cullen Weston, Pines, and Bach in Madison. she may be a good lawyer for someone with a mental health problem, because in another case she won a formerly alcoholic client the right to practice law in Wisconsin; the client had been denied because of supposed character defects due to long-past drinking problems. that was against the state supreme court, too. my friend won her issue against an employer without actually going to court, and it didn't cost an arm and a leg.
while you are working with a lawyer, i would ask for emergency assistance from the department of health and family services. go to dhfs.wisconsin.gov for information. in what i think is your area, i see that the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee, Inc. provides emergency food assistance -- their number is 414.777.0483. or you can call CAC of SouthCentral, WI in madison at 608.246.4730.
third, i would go to your dr. and flat-out ask for meds. you can't go off of them now! also start applying for free meds.
finally, i hope you're doing what you can do for your mental health now. every day i hope that you can get up, eat breakfast, do 3 or 4 things to help you get to where you need to be -- make a phone call, go to an appointment, make a trip, help your wife apply for a temp. job.,etc., -- and then take some time off to rest. you do not need self-initiated stressors right now, so don't be berating yourself for not being well yet.
let me know if there's any other info you could use help finding. i used to have a job that put me in touch with several social service organizations in southern wisconsin, and i've been on food stamps in the past, so i might be able to help a bit.
Posted by CavemanXx on August 8, 2004, at 22:50:46
In reply to information that i hope will be helpful for you » CavemanXx, posted by sageblue on July 31, 2004, at 21:37:09
OK, this is the 7th reply. All of the other replys didn't work. I have a lot of trouble with Dr. Bobs sign up page. Thank you all for the posts and for caring. I'm considering all of your input. SageBlue, I might take up your advice, since it's in my neighborhood.I'm making this short in case it doesn't work!
CavemanXx
Posted by sageblue on August 8, 2004, at 22:57:11
In reply to Re: information that i hope will be helpful for you, posted by CavemanXx on August 8, 2004, at 22:50:46
hey, i got your message. i'm glad it might do you some good.
good luck.
:D
Posted by CavemanXx on August 9, 2004, at 0:58:42
In reply to Re: GENERAL ELECTRIC WONT PAY SICK EMPLOYEE's, posted by Shadowplayers721 on July 28, 2004, at 22:17:36
Hi All.
I think my password is working again. some of you have answered this question but then, I read on the internet conflicting news. I have a question.... I'm writing to my isurance co.and need to know, what does the law state about informing your employer the nature of your illness when the Dr. gives you a excused from work and disabled slip?I'm Still off work. Still haven't gotten a check yet. found out that I have a heart operation coming up. So now I have to taper off all of my medication. I see the surgeon in a couple of days. I saw the cardiologist a few days ago. The Cardiologist thinks an operation is iminent.
This operation is so serious that it makes a "quadruple bypass seem easy". (Quoting my cardiologist)
I'm worried that I could get fired before or during the operation.
The cardiologist says I have a dialated aortal root that could unzip, (tear) anytime.
The good news is that I have a union at GE that almost always wins the failure to pay sick pay cases.
I am lonely. Being married, I really would like to snuggle up with my wife, or just even talk to her. But My wife is an alcohlic. I wanted to go to church today, she took the car said she would be back in a half hour. She came back 3 hours later. Drunk. She had been driving in that condition with the kids in the car. There is absolutely nothing I can do about it. She is ususally unconcious or sleeping by 9:00 pm. She has no interest in sex.
I feel guilty all the time. For being attracted to other women. I don't know how to deal with this.
I'm so affraid of leaving my kids alone with such an loser. What if I dont make it through the operation?Years ago I called the Racine County Sherriff. I told them my wife was driving drunk with my kids in the car. I told them they could catch her pulling up the drivway drunk if they come over to my house.
They came. 3 squads. then my wife showed up. Drunk, stumbling out of the car slipping on her beer cans as they fell out of the car. I watched from the house. They gave her a breathaliser. Shorly afterward they were sitting down talking and laughing. Then there was a knock on the door. 2 of these insane sheriffs handcuffed me in front of my kids. Traumatizing them. Took me out of my house. Leaving todler aged children in the house alone. They didn't even look at them. They lock me up in the squad,(me,the sober parent!) in a cagelike backseat. On a hot summer day. The motor is off windows rolled up all the way. I thinking this is the end. I'm going to die. After 15 minutes my wife happens to see me sitting in this torture chamber oven. I am crying. She stands up alarmed, angry. Stops her friendly coversation and says... WHAT THE HELL DID HE DO?
They came over and let me out. I was seeing stars, drenched in sweat. It turned out I had a unpaid ticket. My wife was visibly drunk. But amazingly, she passed the breathaliser test. so they did the politically correct thing and found a reason to arrest the male.
Sorry for the tale of woe. I didn't want to make anyone depressed.
I wish I could take my kids and move to Canada. I have loved the USA for so many years. Now, it is no longer a free country. I think that when the USSR came apart, the threat of communism ceased to exist. Then everyone forgot about human rights and didn't care how precious individual freedom was. Thanks to the Bushs, Clinton and Reagan, the rules have changed so that freedom depends on how much money you have. So our rights errode, while our constitution is forgotten.
Sad, Scared, CavemanXx
Posted by CavemanXx on August 9, 2004, at 11:08:29
In reply to hey cavemanxx i got your message » CavemanXx, posted by sageblue on August 8, 2004, at 22:57:11
Sageblue, I'm glad you got it. We were on the Dr.Bob at the same time! BTW I like your handle!
Have I got problems or what? Steve
This is the end of the thread.
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