After being laid off in 2021, I've had nothing but problems every step of the way in getting benefits owed to me. This includes getting severance and COBRA insurance coverage.
Apparently, if you were let go before January 1st, 2022 you no longer exist in any of the HR systems. Now I have health insurance claims that are being rejected and have no options to pay for COBRA on the BenefitsWeb site.
Should I hire an attorney?
16 replies (most recent on top)
Xerox …aka. Nothing but problems from the word go. Recommend learning to speak other languages as no one understands English anymore.
Unless it’s printed on a flash card taped to a wall in front of them while they work from home on their laptop.
Yes
Calling the AskHR toll free number allows you to talk to someone who has the responsibility and authority to simply fill in the contact form on the benefits site. They literally don't or can't do anything else. From there your request goes into ServiceNow and routed to a foreign country.
Anyone who has worked in a non-manufacturing department (IT, HR, Payroll) at Xerox knows that everything is outsourced to the lowest cost, overseas provider. The turnover among their high school graduates is extremely high. You won't get an answer for months.
Unexpected medical emergencies can leave you with a mountain of debt.
Hire an attorney immediately! Xerox does not care about their employees and even less for the ones they got rid of.
Ive heard there were issues with the change in payroll providers and some things slipped through the cracks. Email AskHR and eventually after about 10-15 attempts it will get fixed. If it’s the company’s fault they will fix it as long as the issue gets to the right help desk. Keep emailing everyday until you get a response.
I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Do you have documentation of writing to askhr@xerox.com? I was able to sign up for my cobra benefits on the benefits website (lifeatwork portal) before I even received my cobra package. And I agree with the other poster, the health exchange is cheaper but you can't sign up for just short-term coverage. As you only have 60 days to sign up for Cobra after you separate, and you say you were laid off in 2021, you are already past the date. If you have emails showing that you attempted to contact them, you may have some legal standing. I can't find my separation package but I must have known to look for it on benefitsweb since I signed up before i got the hardcopy in the mail. In terms of severance, Xerox now pays that in a lump sum in your final check along with any vacation leftover. I recall that the severance and leftover vacation took 2-3 weeks but I got it without having to ask for it. I wish you luck. If your medical bills are less than a lawyer would cost, then just sign up for the exchange so you're covered going forward. If you did an exit interview, re-read those materials carefully. It's not up to them to make sure you sign up for Cobra but it is up to them to pay you for severance if you are eligible.
"Last poster - incorrect"
You are incorrect. I've had multiple reports leave and retire over the years. It's a simple click or two, nothing real formal I had to do. HR would send a packet of papers to the employee to sign, and that's it. The only thing I was a manager had to do is return the signed papers to HR.
Last poster - incorrect.
"I agree, your manager probably goofed up on your separation package. Get this elevated with HR Center, pronto"
I doubt it was a problem with a manager. Managers just inform HR, everything after that is on the shoulders of HR.
I agree, your manager probably goofed up on your separation package. Get this elevated with HR Center, pronto!
Did you ever actually get enrolled with COBRA? When I left, I found COBRA to be more expensive than using the state's marketplace. Every situation is different, but don't assume that COBRA will be your best option.
Don't worry, the law is on your side. Even if you accumulate millions in unexpected medical bills due to severe illness or surgeries, Xerox is responsible to pay for everything.
Not only that, they will have to pay your attorney's fees. So go ahead and find the most expensive law firm in your city, you'll never pay a dime.
Call the benefit center and tell them you want your issue escalated, as to speak a supervisor. You can ask to file an appeal and your concerns will be addressed by corporate. When I was furloughed I had issues with my benefits and I was able to get it resolved. Be insistent you want your issue addressed right away and you’ll get a response. Good Luck
State or federal department of labor to start. Lawyers cost money, department of labor has enforcement authority.
State or federal dept. of Labor?
You can take legal action anytime. I would recommend Dewey-Cheatem & Howe.
Sounds like your manager goofed up the separation work. Attorneys are expensive and typically pick and choose cases. Keep working HR. Lean on your prior manager.