This article explains what you should know about your health insurance while you are on medical leave.
As an employee, what happens to your health insurance coverage while you are on a medical leave of absence? Well, that depends on different factors. This article explains what you should know about your health insurance while you are on medical leave.
Your Health Insurance Continues Under FMLA Leave
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) permits employees to obtain up to 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave within the same year for a serious health condition without losing their jobs. Your qualification for FMLA is contingent on numerous factors, including:
- How long have you been working for the company?
- What is the number of employees working at your organization or company?
- Have you had previous medical leaves within a year?
If you have health insurance through your employer and use your FMLA leave, your business must continue your health insurance plan as if you were working. This means you will continue contributing to the insurance premiums as you previously did. In addition, you will have to pay the employee part of the premiums to maintain coverage if they were typically deducted from your paycheck, but your medical leave is unpaid.
While on Short- or Long-Term Disability Leave
Although it’s not mandatory, some companies offer health insurance while an employee is on short- or long-term disability leave. However, these benefits don’t cover the cost of their insurance premiums. Alternatively, short- or long-term disability policies pay a part of your income while you cannot work.
Moreover, you must review the employer’s policies or benefits handbook to check your health insurance status while on STD or LTD leave. Remember that an employer does not have to maintain an employee’s health coverage for a period of time. However, they should consistently follow and implement its written policies.
You Have the Right to Apply for COBRA
Besides certain small companies, church organizations, and the federal government, employers must allow you to apply for COBRA, or the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. This is only if you lose your health insurance policy due to your medical leave. In general, you have 1.5 years of extended COBRA coverage if you lose your health insurance coverage because of medical leave.
For questions about health insurance, or long- or short-term disability, call MWE Partnership today at 410-394-9617.
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