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Retired La. Chief Denied Health Benefits
(AP) HOUMA, La.
The Louisiana attorney general says the Bayou Cane Fire Protection District may not continue providing health benefits to its outgoing and ailing chief after his retirement.
Jerry Gautreaux says keeping department-paid medical benefits as he continues to recover from the removal of a malignant brain tumor is crucial.
But on Friday the attorney general said such payments would be a donation of public funds prohibited by the state constitution.
Earlier this year, Gautreaux said losing the policy was "practically a death sentence."
He could continue his health coverage under a federal law that allows workers who lose their health benefits to maintain coverage under certain circumstances. But Gautreaux would have to pay his premium in full.
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Information from: The Courier, http://www.houmatoday.com
Related
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The Louisiana attorney general says the Bayou Cane Fire Protection District may not continue providing health benefits to its outgoing and ailing chief after his retirement.
Jerry Gautreaux says keeping department-paid medical benefits as he continues to recover from the removal of a malignant brain tumor is crucial.
But on Friday the attorney general said such payments would be a donation of public funds prohibited by the state constitution.
Earlier this year, Gautreaux said losing the policy was "practically a death sentence."
He could continue his health coverage under a federal law that allows workers who lose their health benefits to maintain coverage under certain circumstances. But Gautreaux would have to pay his premium in full.
___
Information from: The Courier, http://www.houmatoday.com
Related
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mick Shelley on
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Now that just SUCKS, you work your ass off all these years,
and what do you get in return, A Death Sentence.
The Jerk of the Month award goe's to LA. Att. General
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Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on
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Mick:
You need to extend the award to the fire district.
They had to make the inquiry to the attorney general.
On the surface, it is not unusual to end medical benefits when the employee ends their employment.
They can opt to pay the premiums under COBRA, but they are often cost prohibitive, but if his fire department would do it, they could hold a benefit on his behalf to raise money for his future premiums.
Just guessing, he will have a hard time getting a plan with his pre-existing condition.
You're right though.
It sucks.
Art
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Hey Art, Thanks for that up date, I understand, and yes, it still sucks.
I do hope there is something they can do for him, as you said, maybe
a fund raiser of some type.
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