How do I handle a long gap on my résumé? after 17 years as a machine operator

My résumé shows a gap from a layoff and some health issues. I am nervous about being filtered out.

Thanks for writing this out. I went through something close to it 3 months ago, and it got easier once I kept a simple log of every call and form.

I was hired after a 3-month gap. The manager said the skills test mattered more than the dates.