[ApicalDendrite]

There are a lot of regional differences within the US. In Massachusetts, it's a lot better than this:

* MA has 40 hours of mandatory paid sick leave a year

* Assuming that your employer doesn't offer health insurance, if you're a single person making minimum wage in MA, working 40 hours a week, you qualify for ConnectorCare, with $15 co-pays for primary care visits and no deductible. There's a $82/month premium, but you'd also qualify for a $276/month tax credit.

There are still plenty of situations where a person making minimum wage wouldn't be able to afford a doctor's visit. For instance, if you miss paying your premiums your health insurance can be canceled. Or you could be working for an employer that offers health insurance, but with a high deductible. However, the situation here is a lot less bleak than the thread - for many people here working in the fast food industry a doctor's visit and a week's time off are affordable.

[wasdfff]

Sick leave should be unlimited. Have the employee skype a nurse for 10 minutes if you think they are faking it.