Dear Kossacks,
First they cut 20% of our workforce last spring. Then, right before Christmas, they laid-off another 10%. And unfortunately, the word is today there will be another awful announcement.
We build quartzware products for the semiconductor manufacturing industry, and a lot of our guys have been working here for decades. I didn't even know Americans still manufactured hi-tech items in the states until I found this job as a production assistant. It sounds like I'll be keeping my job, but I just feel so bad for everyone who is losing theirs, and I want to help them understand the kind of medical insurance options they have.
According to what I have read of the stimulus package, the feds will cover 65% of your COBRA insurance premiums for 9 months after you are laid-off. However, if you are eligible for Medicare you would have to use that for your insurance. Does anyone know how to determine your eligibility, or which government office these people should contact to find out? Any help would be much appreciated.