Hello,
Was injured at work from going falling backwards from an elevated phone cord in April 2007. Tore my lateral meniscus and had a menisectomy. Later we found several more problems occurring due to the intial injury such as patella not tracking properly, lesions to remaining cartilage etc.... I have had five scopes now and preparing for a cartilage transplant, partial removal of tibia bone and attempt to repair and place kneecap where it belongs.
Through this process, I have lost my job due to work restrictions and currently going through Voc Rehab. Cannot do much with Voc because of extensive upcoming surgery. (recovery time is 18 months).
My doctor feels he can get me to a "6" (scale of 0-10) rating from the current "2" status after the surgery. They refuse to do knee replacement because I'm 43 yrs old. However, they know I will need a knee replacement down the road.
My question is.... how long do I have to carry on this whole process? If after this cartilage transplant happens and I am back to a status of "6", where do I go from there? Clearly I will never be back to where I was prior to my fall.
I live in the state of Michigan and do receive a weekly check from workman comp. However, COBRA insurance is killing us financially.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.
mmmmmmmmm dont know a thing about knees thats Bummer knees ball park and your state is also not known to me ....But I did want to welcome you and be patient someone will come along and answer you
Steph,
Get in contact with your HR department about the COBRA benefits in the Federal Stimulous package. If someone is laid off between Sept 2008 through the end of 2009 then the government will subsidize 65% of your COBRA bill. It is taken care of by your employer by taking a tax credit for the 65%. Your employer has 60 days from the date the bill was signed (sometime in Feb) to put it into effect. They are supposed to send a notice out to you but you should be proactive. It is good for nine months- hopefully this info helps.
I am from Michigan also- went through surgeries-voc rehab & went back to school for my Bachelor Degree & haven't found a job yet. I sure picked a good time to graduate school.. Check into them sending you back to school.
Good afternoon,
Thank you for your quick reply. I'm carrying COBRA through another company. I was officially terminated Dec. 29, 2008. I worked for Fifth Third Bank and their human resource dept. will not deal with my questions anymore. Do I contact ChardSnyder, the company I pay for COBRA regarding the tax break?
I wish you luck in your job search too. Let me know if you find a job position for people with injured knees... ha ha ha ha.
Steph,
You should call whoever you are paying your COBRA payment too. They have to send something out to you within 60 days of the bill signing. I am getting COBRA through my wifes former employer and last week they said that the gov't has not sent out info yet. I heard on the news that if your former employer is late on getting this rolling the 65% will be refunded back to the official start date. All I know is it's pretty damn expensive- we are paying $988 for family insurance.
As for Voc Rehab- your age is helpfull in getting them to send you to school especially if your employer terminated you because they had no jobs for you.
Have you talked to an attorney? I didn't and wish I would of to begin with. Had a great relationship with the case manager but she quit and things went to hell after that. Nothing promised was followed through with so don't trust them as they are out to protect their financial interests and not yours.
Just spoke with the company handling my COBRA and it sounds like I'm good to go. Thanks so much for that information as I was not aware.
Expensive isn't even the word. Just to cover for myself, it's $373.00 per month. I couldn't afford my husband to be on the plan when I signed up.
Voc Rehab is not paying for any schooling at this time. They just send me to the Library to take free computer classes. I'm not learning anything through those classes that I don't already know.
No attorney at this point as I was told it creates more havoc between W/C, case workers etc. However, I think after this upcoming surgery, it's time to speak with an attorney or this will go on and on and on. More difficult living under Workman Comp's thumb than it's worth sometimes! I'll just have to learn how to live in loose scrubs and shorts while my leg is immobilized.
Thanks again for all your help
But I was thinking that Federal Stimulous package only covered 6 months of payment. Is that right? Any amount will help people but if it is 6 months thats not very long.
Hi Steph
I was injured in 2005, 5 months after I was injured I had my 1st of 2 meniscus surgerys. It was a failed surgery as I was bone on bone at the time of surgery.
31 months after the injury of 2005 I had the 1st total knee replacement.
You may be told you are to young for the replacement, but that is bull!
You know you body, & you will know when the time is right for the replacement.
I did have
But I was thinking that Federal Stimulous package only covered 6 months of payment. Is that right? Any amount will help people but if it is 6 months thats not very long.
Manley,
The COBRA subsidy will last for nine months.