Workmens Comp and Family Health Insurance

[Kevinmc1963]

My question involves workers compensation law for the state of: Indiana.
I have been on light duty since the beginning of June 2009. Going thru physical therapy, chiropractor, shots in back, trying to get my lower back healed. Unfortunately none of that worked and now Jan 4th I will be having surgery, the last option to me. All this time I have worked light duty at work , around 4-5 hours a day which is what they are allowing me to work. Now last week I received cobra insurance information for the health insurance for my family. I called health benefits and they said it is because I do not work enough hours to continue to be covered under the company health insurance. I explained I was on workers comp and was working light duty and the number of hours that the employer is only letting me work. Reply --doesnt matter your 25 hours a week does not qualify for health benefits/insurance and you fall under cobra. There is no way I can pay 1000 dollars a month to carry this insurance. Is this legally allowed and if so what bozo would let a company drop the health insurance of a worker who was injured on the job.I have worked for this company for 12.5 years and was off b4 for almost a year and the insurance never lapsed and actually owed catch up health premiums when i was able to go back to work, but the insurance was always there for my family.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Worker's comp does not continue your health benefits. If you don't work enough hours to qualify for health benefits your employer can terminate them, subject to COBRA. Your employer can voluntarily continue your insurance when the law doesn't require it, or a CBA or contract of employment may provide greater protections than the law otherwise provides.