Benefits question after being fired in Texas?

Question

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To make a long story short, I sincerely believe that I was fired (on Friday) for complaining to my HR Department and to the EEOC for ongoing issues over the past almost two years.

On Friday I was fired under a TOTAL lie: That I had shared confidential information from a file maintained on a public drive!!!

When I tried to phone my attorney at this firing, the phone was PULLED from my hands.  Yes, I know it sounds ludicrous, but it is totally true).  THEN they wanted to go through my things, mainly my documents to make sure that I was not taking home any of "their" documents, at which point I managed to quickly reach over the table to a conference phone and dialed 911.  Their attorney quickly left and I was left with the HR Manager who helped me clear my desk.  

Do to all this 'ado' I did not get information on my benefits.  Most importantly, my health benefits and whether they are immediately gone, or if there is a post-period when I can still use them.

Does anyone know, or does anyone know where I might be able to find info. on this?  I do not want to call them until I meet with the EEOC (on Wednesday).

Thank you!!!

Answer 1

Health insurance is covered under COBRA, go to this site for the information you need.
http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plan…

Answer 2

Google COBRA.

Answer 3

I agree with most of what Lucy has to say.  However, depending on the true reason for their terminating your employment, you may or may NOT be eligible for Cobra.  You are not eligible for Cobra if you are terminated for gross misconduct.  Many people do not know this.  However, if you ARE eligible for Cobra, you have 60 days to choose it.  The cost for Cobra is 102% of the premiums for your coverage.  Most company plans terminate coverage at the end of the month following termination.  Therefore, if you were terminated today, most plans would cover you until the 30th of this month and then you would be responsible to choose Cobra for any coverage after that point.  Keep in mind, that some companies do terminate coverage immediately, so like it or not, you are going to have to call your previous employer to find out!

There is nowhere online you can go to find out because each company handles this differently.  However, if you have a handbook from your old employer, you might find information about benefits there.

Good luck to you.

Answer 4

When they fired you and you immediately tried to call your attorney and they pulled the phone from your hands is no surprise at all.  The fact that you then tried to call 911 is even more surprising, since at that point they probably thought you were nuts.  They want you out asap and they also want to protect "their property" and verify you don't take anything that does not belong to them.   

You should get a final letter from them outlining your final paycheck and any benefits you have or may have to pay to continue.
ie;  cobra;  most likely canceled the date of firing, so will have up to 60 days to continue and will have to pay the full 102% of the premium.  

Considering your prior behavior at firing, don't expect them to answer any phone calls from them, or they will have you go thu their legal department.  Either way, should get a letter detailing all and at that point I suggest you talk to the lawyer you hired for legal advice, since none of us are lawyers, nor can we give you legal advice.

good luck