Chapter 5 - The benefits call
Sarah told the family I had canceled her health insurance.
I had not.
That needed correction quickly.
My employer offered a supplemental Family Care Reimbursement Program for certain dependent relatives and caregiving expenses.
It was not insurance.
It did not replace Medicare.
It did not decide whether Sarah could receive surgery.
Michael and I had agreed to use the program to reimburse part of:
Her surgery copay.
Short-term rehabilitation.
Transportation.
Home aide support.
Sarah had limited retirement income and approximately $18,000 in savings.
Her surgery was still scheduled.
Her Medicare coverage remained intact.
What changed was our promise to pay approximately $6,400 in expenses not expected to be fully covered.
I paused the reimbursement because the program required the employee to certify an ongoing support relationship.
After Sarah struck Olivia, I was no longer willing to certify or fund that relationship automatically.
Was the timing retaliatory?
Emotionally, absolutely.
Was it legal to pause an unpaid voluntary benefit under my control?
According to the administrator, yes, pending review.
Was it wise to do it sixty seconds after slapping Sarah?
May you like
No.
My attorney would tell me that later.
