One other thing - he has been VERY lucky that alcohol has not interfered with employment.
He lost his job in 2009 because the company closed down due to the economy. He lost his health insurance months later after the "COBRA-like" insurance expired and we could not afford the premiums. He is in the trades and there were no positions. Many are in his same position in our area. He has had two part-time jobs but we still cannot afford the premiums. He is in his second part-time job now. The boss is VERY happy with his work and is exploring more work so that he can be full time. The boss/owner and my husband are the only two employees of the company. He chose my husband out of 120 applicants. Insurance will not follow until my husband is full time.
I'm on Medicare.