I was planning to not return to work after my 12 weeks is up. However, I was wondering if anyone knew any info on my benefits that I kept while on maternity leave. My maternity leave was unpaid, but my benfits remained in place (with me paying $40/month for them) Now that I am not going to go back to work, will I have a problem with those benefits I used while I was out (i.e will i have to pay full priced for them now on a pro rated basis or something?) The last thing I want is a $15,000 bill from the hosipital!! I have heard that this could happen and I was thinking about just going back to work for a couple weeks just to avoid any mess with the medical benefits i used while I was out.

Any info would be GREAT!! Thanks!

Assuming that you are talking about FMLA:

If you choose not to return at the end of your leave, your employer MAY require you to repay them for any insurance premiums they paid on your behalf while you were out. Not all employers, or even most, avail themselves of that right, but they do have it under the law.

This would not affect any bills that may have been paid under the insurance. It is strictly a matter between you and your employer and affects the premium payments only.

You would have to return for a full 30 days to eliminate the possiblity.

Thank you for that info!! So should I ask my HR dept. if this would be the case? I feel a bit awkward asking "would you make me pay back insurance premiums, if so, Im coming back for a month, if not, see ya!" Is this something I should approach them on (is it a typical question, I guess Im asking), or should I just cross my fingers?

It's up to you how important the information is.

The only way you're going to know in advance is to ask.