Hello,

Thank you for taking the time in reading this. I have just returned to work after being out for 5 weeks on bedrest due to a pregnancy related surgery. During these 5 weeks I received STD benefits that ran concurrently with my FMLA. At my company, a Fortune 100, I'm entitled to 22 weeks of STD and after that I am eligible for LTD.

I was examined by my doctor on Friday and there is a possibility that I may have to return to bedrest for the remainder of my pregnancy which is anywhere from 15-20 weeks and of course I would need to be out the 6-8 weeks following the birth.

I am confused by my company benefits and FMLA and wanted your input before I spoke with HR at my company. If I do need to go back on bedrest what factors am I up against after my FMLA runs out or does FMLA not matter since I'm covered under STD up to 22 weeks? If I need to extend my leave past the STD period of 22 weeks and go on LTD, what exactly does this mean as far as my position and place with the company? Also, will I suffer any health insurance consequences after my FMLA runs out? I guess my main concerns are losing my job or health insurance during this time. Can either happen?

Thank you in advance for your response. Feel free to ask any questions if I was unclear about something.

Regards,
Bonnie

STD does not provide job protection. Only FMLA does that. When FMLA runs out, your employer may legally term your employment, regardless of how much STD or LTD time you may have left and regardless of the medical necessity for additional time off.

When FMLA runs out, your employer has no legal obligation to cover you on the health insurance policy any longer. He may legally drop you from the policy; however, he must provide you with the opportunity to take COBRA.

Please take note that I am not saying your employer WILL term you or your health insurance; plenty of employers will provide longer than the minimum required by law. I am only saying that legally, he CAN.

Thank you very much for your response.