Please......some prayers-FINAL ? UPDATE-POST 47

[freddog]

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Poster:

http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf

Thanks. They just called me. I have to go pick up papers to have filled out for short term disability. I don't know for sure how long the doctor will give him. If he takes FMLA, can he still use thee ST disability, I wonder? And, it looks like with FMLA, they have to continue to provide his health insurance coverage?

 

[Brit17]

Thanks. They just called me. I have to go pick up papers to have filled out for short term disability. I don't know for sure how long the doctor will give him. If he takes FMLA, can he still use thee ST disability, I wonder? And, it looks like with FMLA, they have to continue to provide his health insurance coverage?

http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/whdfs28.pdf

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.

From what I understand, in regards to Short Term Disability, even if a company offers paid short term disability to employees, that does not change the companys obligation, under federal law, to offer up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, or FMLA.

The way most employers handle this, is for the short term disability to run concurrnetly — at the same time — as the FMLA leave. However, under FMLA regulations, the employer must inform the workers at the beginning of leave, that it is being counted as FMLA. If the employer fails to do this, the employee is entitled to 12 weeks of FMLA leave in addition to short term disability, or in other words, the employee takes all the STD available first and then can begin their unpaid leave under FMLA (an additional 12 weeks).

I know this can be confusing, so please check with your DH's Human Resource Director for more info and details.

 

[cocodog]

Offering prayers for your family.

 

[Jewel1310]

Another vote for pursueing FMLA. He would be able to use short term disability if the doctor approves it (which they should as he is inpatient). The FMLa allows for unpaid time off that is protected. The STD will allow for payment of the time off.

While I understand the doctor saying to quit his job it will be harder to find a job when he is unemployed which may affect him as well. If he is on STD he may be able to work on a resume etc to prepare for a job change.

good luck to both of you. Good job being supportive. Hugs for picking up the extra that will be falling on you right now.

 

[freddog]

Well, for anyone still following my saga, here's the latest.

I went to visit him last night, and I actually left feeling quite encouraged. He was smiling some and he even laughed a few times. They seemed like genuine smiles, too. I honestly can't tell you how long it's been since I have seem him smile.

He told my son (19) who came with me, that he wanted him (and the rest of the kids) to know that it wasn't anything they did, that it was a sickness and that he accepted that and wanted them to understand that too.

He just even looked better, his jaw was not clenched, his face was not strained. He said he was sleeping good and he felt like eating again.

Me, on the other hand, am really starting to feel the toll. I have been on the go since Monday with going back and forth to the hospital, trying to get with his boss and get paperwork and deal with my work on having this time off, and getting the kids back and forth from all the places they need to be and trying to keep everything done in the house, etc, etc, etc.

My parents just got back last night about 5:15 from SC.....they cut their time down there short by a month, and let the kids come over at 6 and stay the night even though they hadn't even unpacked or gotten any groceries, God love 'em.....they gave me a desperatley needed break.

Anyway, things are starting to look a little brighter even though it's going to be a long road.

Thanks for the prayer and well wishes, I really do appreciate them.

 

[focusondisney]

Thanks for the update. I'm so glad your DH is on the road to good health again!

Now just try to take care of yourself. You are going thru so much, you really need to take some down time for yourself, too.

 

[freddog]

Well, he comes home today! Yay! He seems to definitely be feeling better! I know we've still got a long road ahead of us, but I've been much more encouraged the past few days.

He still has to figure out the job thing, but we'll get there.

Thanks for the prayers and well wishes......it's been a very hard week!

 

[Yankeemouse]

Sending good wishes and lots of positive thoughts your way.