Chuck

For the past four years, Chuck Dolan has worked as a professional motor coach driver for Mears Transportation in central Florida. Chuck enjoyed meeting tourists visiting Orlando and the financial stability and health benefits that came with the job.

When Florida mandated non-essential businesses to close – including theme parks – the tourism industry in Orlando came to a screeching halt. As a result of the economic downturn, many businesses in the hospitality, tourism and travel industries were forced to cut staff and immediately cease operations.

Unfortunately, Mears Transportation furloughed hundreds of employees, including Chuck. After being furloughed, Chuck said: “Thankfully, my company offered to subsidize and pay for our employee health benefits during this difficult time. Maintaining health coverage was a tremendous relief to me and my family, as the lack of health benefits would have created additional financial burdens and considerable stress.”

Chuck shared his recent experiences, saying: “No one wants to lose their job, and no one wants to get sick or injured while unemployed. Losing health care is even more critical and stressful. By Mears Transportation maintaining mine and other employee’s health care coverage, I could breathe easier each day knowing I had health care benefits to protect me if I became suddenly sick. Without health care coverage, I could potentially be faced with needing to cover thousands of dollars in unexpected medical costs.”

Chuck expressed the need for policymakers to “ensure unemployed and furloughed employees have access to basic and preventive health care.”