Even the self-employed in state must purchase health insurance

Q. I am a handyman working on the Cape. I work for myself taking care of vacation properties (yard work, maintenance, repairs, painting, etc.). I have no health insurance but have not needed it since I am pretty healthy and active. I know there is a new law that talks about mandatory health insurance. Do I have to have health insurance? I really cannot afford any additional expenses, and I would rather just avoid it all together.

A. In April 2006, healthcare reform in Massachusetts became law. One state survey conducted in 2006 found that there were more than 350,000 Massachusetts residents without health insurance. This new law requires all Massachusetts residents (with some exceptions) to obtain health insurance by July 1, 2007.

You are correct -- health insurance can be expensive. However, there are many options available under healthcare reform.

I consulted Julie Jennings, vice president of the employee benefits division at Sylvia and Co. Insurance Agency in Dartmouth, for more information. Jennings suggests that you visit mahealthconnector.org to research options, costs, and available subsidies. This website is full of information and is presented in a logical and easy to understand format. Information is also available by calling 1-877-MA-ENROLL (1-877-623-6765). Thousands of Massachusetts residents have already accessed this website and enrolled in a health plan. The site also addresses insurance options for self-employed residents. Although you didn't provide your age, there are some low-cost plans available for young adults under 26 years of age. Information is available in both English and Spanish.

Another option, according to Jennings, is to find a licensed insurance agent who specializes in healthcare. You can find such an agent through the Massachusetts Association of Health Underwriters (massahu.org). Lastly, Jennings cautions that under the current law you could lose your 2007 personal state income tax deduction if you cannot provide proof of enrollment in a health insurance plan by Dec. 31, 2007. Additional penalties may be incurred after Jan. 1, 2008 for those Massachusetts residents who still have not acquired health insurance.

In short, you and most other Massachusetts residents are now required to carry health insurance.

Terminated workers generally entitled to pay
Q. I was recently separated from my company. My former employer used the phrase "by mutual agreement" when they let me go. I am truthfully unsure as to what this means. I know I was not a good fit for the role, and I told them so. Does this mean I cannot collect unemployment insurance?

A. Unfortunately, answering a seemingly simple question like this with a simple answer is not always simple. Determining whether a former employee in your situation is entitled to unemployment benefits often requires both factual and legal analyses by the Department of Unemployment Assistance.

I consulted labor and employment attorney, Jack K. Merrill of Haranas, Mayer, Jachowicz & Galvani, LLP of Framingham. Merrill explains that Massachusetts employees are generally entitled to receive unemployment pay when they are let go by their employers. Unless a worker brings about his/her own termination via some sort of misconduct, unemployment benefits are often awarded.

That certainly does not seem to be the case here, but the absence of fault on your part does not end the analysis. When you apply for unemployment, you will likely be asked how you became unemployed. You will no doubt reply that you were let go/laid off by your employer, and the DUA will no doubt preliminarily qualify you for unemployment benefits as a result.

The key question in your case will then arise: Will your employer challenge your entitlement to benefits? Because employers can incur DUA charges when their former workers collect unemployment benefits, the employer can challenge the employee's claim. In your case, your former company might argue that you quit your job. Under state law, employees who voluntarily leave work face the opposite presumption from those who are fired -- they are not entitled to unemployment benefits unless they prove that their departure from work was forced by employer conduct.

It is difficult to predict if you will be awarded unemployment benefits based on the information provided. If you received a written separation agreement from your employer, you may want to review it carefully to see if it addresses unemployment benefits. You would likely be awarded unemployment compensation if the company specified that they would not contest your claim. Alternatively, and if the employer challenges unemployment pay, the issue for the DUA will be whether you quit or were terminated. Since "mutual agreement" suggests the truth of the matter lies somewhere between these two extremes, the DUA may be forced to collect facts and make a decision. Fortunately for you, that agency tends to err on the side of employees in cases of doubt, since its purpose is to provide a subsistence wage to workers who are temporarily out of work.

Networking a powerful tool in job search
Q. I work at a large company as a middle-level manager. I recently had to lay off many of the employees that work for me. We seem to do this every year. I am tired of being put in this position. I have a very stable employment background and a strong record of performance. I spotted a job posting that looks perfect for me at a more stable competitor. I have a few professional contacts at this company. Should I just apply through the job posting? I am afraid that my job search may become public and my current employer may find out.

A. Being part of layoff can be draining. Even if you have retained your position, many "survivors" feel less than satisfied in a post layoff environment. Having to communicate layoff decisions can become particularly grueling if you have had little input or if it becomes a common business practice at your employer. In some industries, reducing headcount is a more common occurrence than others.

Networking is a powerful job hunting tool. It is better to become introduced to a company through a current employee or other personal contact than to submit your resume in response to a job posting. Smart companies often rely on their current employees to help them recruit new employees through referral programs. An employee referral program encourages current workers to refer qualified candidates to their current employer. Often the employee is rewarded with some type of incentive. Employee referrals are a prescreened applicant pool since most employees would not refer an unqualified candidate for an open position at their company.

Having a professional contact at the competitive firm is an advantage. I would encourage you to contact your most trusted and well-respected personal contact there. Explain to this contact you are very interested in an opportunity the company has recently posted. Ask them to please be discreet with your candidacy. Also ask if they would be willing to submit your resume to the appropriate internal decision-makers. Try to get the specific names and titles of the decision-makers.

Being referred by a current employee separates you from the many electronic candidates submitting their resumes via a job posting application process.

Regardless of whether you receive a job offer, remember to write or e-mail a note of thanks to your professional contact if this person was helpful.

Information abounds for would-be referees
Q. I would like to learn how to be a basketball referee at the adult recreational league and high school levels. I have always enjoyed the sport and have believed myself to be knowledgeable. An acquaintance of mine referees for the enjoyment, exercise, and extra money. We have lost touch because of a job relocation. How would I become certified, etc.?

A. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities are best for coaches, umpires, and referees who are looking to work in this type of role on a part-time basis. The increase in the number of girls and women in organized sports will also boost the demand for both coaches and officials.

Many high school referees first began their careers by volunteering for intramural or recreational league games.

If you pursue an officiating position at the high school level, you are required to register with the state agency that oversees high school athletics. Usually you are required to pass an exam on the rules of the game. The National Association of Sports Officials (naso.org) has information that may be helpful. Click on the section of their website that says "Interested in Becoming a Sports Official?" It has detailed information for each sport, including basketball.

Additionally, you may find the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association to be a good resource as well. Their site (www.miaa.net) has a link that details information for game officials.

Patricia Hunt Sinacole is president of First Beacon Group LLC (firstbeacongroup.com), a human resources consultant in Hopkinton, and a visiting professor in the business school at Mount Ida College in Newton. E-mail questions to jobdoc@globe.com or mail to Job Doc, Boston Globe, Box 55819, Boston, 02205-5819.