Health Insurance while on Maternity Leave

[mendez_a]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

I was wondering if my company is required to continue paying for my health insurance while I am on short term disability and/or NJFLA for my pregnancy. Everyone I have spoke to says that their company paid their health insurance while out except for any cost that I would normally pay, however my company says they just have to continue it at my expense. Is this correct?

I found this online:
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993

MAINTENANCE OF HEALTH BENEFITS
A covered employer is required to maintain group health insurance coverage for an employee on FMLA leave whenever such insurance was provided before the leave was taken and on the same terms as if the employee had continued to work. If applicable, arrangements will need to be made for employees to pay their share of health insurance premiums while on leave. In some instances, the employer may recover premiums it paid to maintain health coverage for an employee who fails to return to work from FMLA leave.

 

[moburkes]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

I was wondering if my company is required to continue paying for my health insurance while I am on short term disability and/or NJFLA for my pregnancy. Everyone I have spoke to says that their company paid their health insurance while out except for any cost that I would normally pay, however my company says they just have to continue it at my expense. Is this correct?

I found this online:
The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993

MAINTENANCE OF HEALTH BENEFITS
A covered employer is required to maintain group health insurance coverage for an employee on FMLA leave whenever such insurance was provided before the leave was taken and on the same terms as if the employee had continued to work. If applicable, arrangements will need to be made for employees to pay their share of health insurance premiums while on leave. In some instances, the employer may recover premiums it paid to maintain health coverage for an employee who fails to return to work from FMLA leave.

They just have to be consistent. So if they don't pay for yours, they can't pay for anyone elses. But, no, the law doesn't require that they do pay.

And for those that do pay, if you decide not to return to your job afterwards, or if you only return for a short time, they can charge you back the premiums they did pay.

 

[cbg]

If this is covered under the Federal FMLA, they have to pay the same amount as if you were working. If they pay 75% for the employees who are at work, they pay 75% for you (and yes, you have to pay the other 25%). If they pay 60% for employees who are working, they pay 60% for you. And so on.

I have no specific information about the NJ state version, and if neither Federal nor state version applies, then it's totally up to them.