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Home > Ask A Career Coach > My wife has no healthcare coverage due to Chemo Brain mistake

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My wife has no healthcare coverage due to Chemo Brain mistake

Evan S. on June 17, 2019

Career Management, Work/Life/Cancer Balance

I filled out health care enrollment application incorrectly when I was hired. Inadvertently did not enroll my wife. Realized my error only after being let go. She is enrolling in a separate insurance policy today which doesn't have the excellent coverage of my plan. I've admitted my mistake to the HR department and asked to add on my wife to cobra but they have so far refused. What recourse do I have, if any.



1 Comment

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Nicole Franklin, MPH

Jun 17, 2019

Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:

Hi Evan,


Thanks for writing to us. I’m sorry that you’re having difficulties getting your wife added to your plan. Since CAC doesn’t currently have an in-house legal or insurance expert, my immediate recommendation is that you reach out to the Patient Advocate Foundation to discuss the specific details of your situation and determine a course of action.  They are a nonprofit that provides pro-bono services related to insurance issues and might have advice about how to approach the situation. Their contact information is listed below:


The Patient Advocate Foundation (http://www.patientadvocate.org/)
Tel: (800) 532-5274
Email: help@patientadvocate.org


You might also consider reaching out to the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship as they provide similar assistance: http://www.canceradvocacy.org/


Additionally, the following articles on our website might be useful as well:



  • Finding Legal Assistance: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/Legal-and-Financial/Finding-Legal-Assistance



  • Conquering Insurance Issues and Problems: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/legal-and-financial/conquering-insurance-issues-and-problems


I hope this is helpful. You can also reach us at cancerandcareers@cew.org or 646-929-8032 if you have any additional questions.


Nicole Franklin, MPH


Senior Manager of Programs


Cancer and Careers


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