In May of 2024, my husband suffered an injury at his workplace where he has been employed as a butcher for almost two decades. His employer denied his workers' compensation claim, and even after he successfully contested this, they appealed the decision - leaving him unpaid and untreated medically for a year and counting. In the meantime, our health insurance refuses to cover his medical expenses, arguing that the injury is work-related, thus falling under the workers' compensation umbrella. The workers' compensation board has labeled the claim as "under review," indefinitely leaving us in a seemingly endless cycle with no clear resolution.

Due to this unfortunate situation, my husband remains in constant pain, without the necessary medical care and support. Additionally, he is unable to work, leading to a loss of income for a year, and eventually his job of nearly 20 years. The financial strain forced us into bankruptcy, and the stress has severely affected our mental health and wellbeing.  By the time this is cleared up, he may not have health insurance at all due to his company's decision to terminate his employment if he is unable to return to work while he is still injured:

Update: He was terminated from King Kullen Grocery on May 31. Exactly one year from the date of his injury. The letter was postmarked the day before he was actually terminated!

Our story is not unique. Many injured workers in Suffolk County and across New York face similar challenges when their workers' compensation claims are controverted. These workers are left stranded without essential medical care while their claims undergo prolonged review processes. The absence of coverage during this period is unjust and has devastating consequences on families' lives and futures.

It is imperative that injured workers have access to health insurance and necessary treatments while their claims are in dispute. Implementing a law or regulation mandating health insurance coverage during these periods of contention would prevent further hardships and ensure that no other family has to endure such an ordeal.

I urge local lawmakers, health insurance companies, and workers' compensation boards to address this issue promptly. By providing temporary health insurance coverage, you can safeguard the lives and well-being of injured workers and their families. Please sign this petition to support necessary change and protection for the workers of Suffolk County and New York.