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Health Benefits Declined on FMLA
Benefits & Compensation
Health Benefits Declined on FMLA
Exchange ideas about health plans, retirement, work/life benefits, and employee assistance.
Our employee chose to drop all health coverage while on FMLA rather than pay the premiums to continue coverage.  I understand I'm required to allow her back on the plan when she returns without
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Health Benefits Declined on FMLA

posted at 4/11/2013 4:55 PM EDT on Workforce Management
Posts: 4
First: 3/21/2013
Last: 4/24/2013

Our employee chose to drop all health coverage while on FMLA rather than pay the premiums to continue coverage.  I understand I'm required to allow her back on the plan when she returns without a waiting period etc.  But is it okay to tell her she will need to submit a new form when she returns if she wants the coverage when she returns.  In other words,is the employer expected to automatically begin her coverage when she returns?  It seems like she should be given an active choice.   Has anyone handled a situation like this?  Thank you!!

Re: Health Benefits Declined on FMLA

posted at 4/24/2013 11:26 AM EDT on Workforce Management
Posts: 1
First: 4/24/2013
Last: 4/24/2013
In Response to Health Benefits Declined on FMLA:
Our employee chose to drop all health coverage while on FMLA rather than pay the premiums to continue coverage.  I understand I'm required to allow her back on the plan when she returns without a waiting period etc.  But is it okay to tell her she will need to submit a new form when she returns if she wants the coverage when she returns.  In other words,is the employer expected to automatically begin her coverage when she returns?  It seems like she should be given an active choice.   Has anyone handled a situation like this?  Thank you!!
Posted by BlueBenefits


I would have a "reinstatement" form of some kind for her to sign. In our Agency employees pay a portion of their premiums. I would not automatically begin the coverage (and the payroll deduction for the employee premium costs) without written approval.

Re: Health Benefits Declined on FMLA

posted at 4/24/2013 11:48 AM EDT on Workforce Management
Posts: 222
First: 9/29/2011
Last: 5/15/2013
I don't disagree with the advice that some written statement signed by the employee would be a safe way to go. But you might want to review your Summary Plan Description which should outline what's required and what isn't for situations like this.

Re: Health Benefits Declined on FMLA

posted at 4/24/2013 11:56 AM EDT on Workforce Management
Posts: 4
First: 3/21/2013
Last: 4/24/2013
Thank you very much for your suggestions.  Very helpful.

Re: Health Benefits Declined on FMLA

posted at 5/3/2013 1:12 PM EDT on Workforce Management
Posts: 14
First: 10/24/2011
Last: 5/3/2013
Yes, many plans have a rehire/reinstatement provision.  If she was out on FMLA longer than 63 days, it's also possible pre-existing conditions could come into play.  Good luck!

Forums » Topic Forums » Benefits & Compensation » Health Benefits Declined on FMLA

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