Wyoming Miners Locked Out of Jobs Face Health Insurance Loss

GILLETTE, Wyo. (AP) — Hundreds of Wyoming coal miners locked out of their jobs could lose health insurance.

The Gillette News Record reports that Blackjewel LLC Wyoming has filed a motion with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to terminate its medical insurance Aug. 31.

Blackjewel is seeking to terminate a medical plan purchased under Revelation Energy, which would prevent employee eligibility for continued coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, commonly known as COBRA.

The lockout that began July 1 has affected 1,700 workers, including nearly 600 in Wyoming.

The company says the employees have not been fired, but the miners have been denied access to their jobs and pay has been withheld.

A company notice says workers should move to family members' health care plans or utilize the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.