I heard of stories of corporations that offer retirement benefits, only to fire or lay off their older employees before they must honor them.
Insurance companies are generally scum. They take your money when everything is going okay. However, when something bad happens and you need the benefits, they are quick to raise premiums if not outright drop you. That's why it's best not to allow them to have any more information than what's absolutely necessary.
I don't understand how corporations can expect their employees to get by with no pay for a over a year. Money is more valuable when it's available sooner than later; especially when inflation can occur with time. A lot can happen in a single year, do they do anything to take care of their employees while they don't get their regular pay? It's really sad that the higher-ups are so out of touch with the people that are helping them get rich.