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Scandia, Minn. — A former Minnesota Department of Corrections employee who no longer can work because of a prison assault could lose his employee insurance. Police officers and firefighters who put themselves in harm’s way are not treated the same way and some wonder if Minnesota law needs to change.
Dave Kampa has been unable to work for the past two and half years. His workers’ compensation payments are nearing their end. Because of it, he and his family fear skyrocketing health insurance costs could force them from their home. The family’s health insurance will go from fewer than $200 a month to $1,600 a month once Kampa’s payments end, which his attorney says is in a few weeks.
“By the time I pay the $1,600 for health insurance, it probably would come out to about $800 to pay my bills,” said Kampa. “I’d love to be at work,” he added. “I enjoyed going to work every day. It just happened to take a detour now.”
Full story: CO hit by inmate, loses medical insurance