The Family and Medical Leave Act allows employees to take job-protected leaves for family and medical reasons, with the group health insurance coverage still in effect. So, as long you are eligible for it, you get to take advantage of the coverage, with the same terms and conditions that apply, as though you aren’t on leave. The leave is unpaid.
Leave Essentials
The U.S. Department of Labor says that an eligible employee is entitled to 12 workweeks of leave in a 12-month period. You can apply for this for the birth of your child and its care. The leave covers the time you need to take care of your child’s adoption as well, if you decide to go with that option. If any of your spouse, child or parent is stricken down with a serious medical condition, you can apply for the leave in order to take care of your ailing family member. You can also apply for a military caregiver leave, which amounts to 26 workweeks within a single 12-month period if you have to take care of a covered servicemember, one who with a critical injury or medical condition, especially if the servicemember in question happens to be your spouse, child, parent or next of kin.
Coverage
Your children, parents and spouse are all covered in the act. So if anyone of your loved ones fall ill, you won’t have to worry about making ends meet while trying to take care of your child, husband, wife, mom or dad. Knowing your medical coverage and benefits are active can take a load off your mind.
Getting Help
If your employer refuses to honor the FMLA act, though, then hire a lawyer. With proper legal assistance, you and your family can get the coverage and compensation you’re entitled to, right when you need it. Need help? Ask us for more details.
