Jim was a 60-year-old foreman at a local factory when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that had spread to other organs. Jim was about to undergo intensive radiation treatment that would keep him from performing the main duties of his job. This worried him because he received his health insurance through his employer.
After talking to his human resource representative, Jim felt reassured that he was a valuable member of the company and learned that he was eligible to take off time for treatment under the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). While he still had to use his sick time and vacation to receive a payment, he did not have to pay any extra to maintain his health insurance.
Jim reported, “I was nervous sharing my diagnosis, but the HR representative reassured me that I had the right to take time off to get better. She also brought me in a casserole and asked if I would be okay if she organized a group of the gals to cook some meals for me.”
