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Health
Benefits While Taking Family Leave
You
recently learned you’re pregnant. You’re sick and need to take
leave from work. You know you are entitled to the time off, but
what about your health benefits? You can’t afford to lose them now
with a child on the way.
While California law does not specifically require employers to
maintain employees’ health benefits while they take leave for
pregnancy related disabilities, an employer may not treat pregnant
employees who are taking leave differently from employees who are
taking leave for other temporary disabilities.
In
addition, employees who return to work following a pregnancy
disability leave must receive the same benefits as they had before
the leave. There can be no new qualification period, no requirement
for a physical exam, and no exclusions for preexisting conditions.
Employers are required to continue providing benefits under a group
health plan during a Family and Medical Leave. Under state law, an
employer can recoup the premiums they paid only when an employee
fails to return to work or works less than 30 days after returning
from leave. In addition, the employee’s failure to return to work
must not be due to a serious health condition or other circumstance
beyond the employee’s control.
To learn more about your rights during and
after pregnancy, visit
www.pregnancylawyer.com or call Attorney
Sarah B. Schlehr directly at (310) 492-5757
For additional tips and help telling your boss
you’re pregnant, or if you need guidance regarding your rights at
work, visit
www.pregnancylawyer.com or call Attorney
Sarah B. Schlehr directly at (310) 492-5757.
This Belly Scoop has been sponsored by Ms. Pregnancy Lawyer,
Sarah B. Schlehr! |
