I’ve been off work with a back injury for about two months, after the on site nurse told me I should apply for short term disability. I also fractured my toe during this time off. The first month was denied pay because my chiropractor did not agree that I should be fully off work, only restricted, but fracturing my toe was definitely a reason to be off work fully.
The company that handles my leave gives me deadlines on getting paperwork in from doctors supporting my injury claim. These deadlines were sooner than I was even able to get an appointment to follow up about my fracture. So they denied that leave as well. I appealed that decision, because I have doctor supported paperwork turned into them now, it was just late, but I am still waiting for a response on the appeal.
I have not been paid in two months.
I received a letter threatening to cancel my insurance all the way back to the last pay check I had from work, since no benefits have been paid since then (July 25) They gave me a deadline of 8/19/2022 to pay my benefits or they cancel. I do not have the money to pay it since I haven’t been paid.
I called my HR department, and asked them if there was anything I could do about it, and also told them that Id be returning to work today, which is what my paperwork from the doctor said. They told me not to worry about it since im coming back, it will be fine. They also told me yes for sure come to work.
So I go to work today, and they send me home because they have no confirmation that I can return. (Paperwork takes X amount of time to review)
On my way home I get a message from the hospital stating that my insurance has been canceled and now I owe an absurd amount. Hospital is refusing to negotiate price of bills.
I’m supposed to hear from an HR rep today.
Can anyone give me some insight on what to expect? Will I be able to pay the benefits back to catch up? Will they reinstate my insurance to re-cover those medical bills? Am I screwed?