What you need to know before taking leave
FMLA or the Family and Medical Leave Act allows eligible employees up to 12 work weeks of unpaid job-protected leave within a 12 month period for qualified family and medical reasons. While on leave the member will receive continuations of group health coverage as if the employee had not taken leave.To be eligible you must work 1,250 hours in a 12 month period and work for an employee with 50 or more employees. The forms can be obtained from your employer and you can either take them in person to your physician’s office or have them faxed. Before leaving your forms, remember to completely fill out all of the portions that are your responsibility and include a contact person for your job in case there are any questions. Most physician’s offices do charge a fee for this service so be sure to ask.
Short-term disability insurance is a policy that can replace a portion of your income during the initial weeks of your recovery from your procedure. Short-term disability can be discussed with the human resource department representative of your employer. This is an insurance policy which can help replace income while you are recovering. The specific insurance company used by your employer will determine your actual eligibility, so be prepared to offer full disclosure of your medical records. The insurance company can and often will request office notes, OP reports, labs and other test results along with medical statement provided by your physician. These policies do not protect your job or guarantee continued access to your health insurance or replace income lost to care for a sick family member.
