anyone have a Salary Continuation plan?

Happy 2011!  

We have a Salary Continuation plan (may be an old school term -- it's the only one I know) where we are paid for time off due to medical issues.  VERY NICE!  WLS is excluded in our health care plan and I'm wondering if Continuation plans have exclusions, too??? 

I have vacation time I can use so not a problem if it is excluded... or I could work 1/2 days... I could take 3 weeks and then a week at 1/2 days...

Anyone have experience with this???

I think in the eyes of the government medical leave is considered medical leave no matter the reason.  You should beable to use your "short-term disability" to pay yourself out.  This usually does excede a 12 week period but every company has different plans. 

i would talk with your HR department or whomever manages your benefits and get clarification.  I would simply ask them "Are there any type of exclusions to my short term disability plan?  If they say Yes find out what they are.  You don't have to be specific with them about the type of surgery you are having unless you want to be........You can simply tell them your concern that you are having a surgical procedure that is not covered by the policy they have in place and you just want to make sure that will not affect you being able to utilize your disibility pay.  Tell them you will have a "Dr.s Note" detailing your restictions. 

Know that it is private medical information and you do not have to provide your private medical information to your employer and a work restriction form is all the information you should need to give them.

I think I'm going to wait until I have approval to start the conversation!  Then I will have the slip to bring in with # weeks the surgeon recommends off, etc.    

I know when I had my c-section I had no paperwork to fill out just told them I was having surgery the next day and I was paid.

Thanks for the info!

Meg

What Heather said...

I'm having a Breast Lift/Aug in a few weeks.  My insurance does NOT cover it, BUT its a medical procedure and I will be unable to work.

I just told my boss I'm having "surgery" - no details and he doesn't want to know. 

I'm using my "sick leave" (leave which I've had to accumulate) to be paid while I'm off. 

Does you place of employment have FMLA?  When I had my tummy tuck the type of surgery was NOT disclosed on it - just that I would be unable to work due to surgery, and the length of time.

I know different places handle it differently - ask your HR, but I don't think they can deny you the leave just because its a procedure excluded from your health plan. 

We are too small for FMLA --- loved the days of having a boss that is male --- no questions at all!  Not my situation now...

Thanks, Jody!

Most "salary continuation plans' are short term disability plans these days and are usually administered by a third party...for example, my company uses The Hartford.

My company's health insurance plan does not cover WLS.  The Hartford disability insurance does.  As these contracts can vary from company to company, it is best to contact your HR department. 


Kay

Thanks for your reply, Kay... I know exactly who will have the answers...  the new year has made me start writing my "list" of things to do / buy / prepare for after surgery.   I hope these next two months FLY!!!!

Meg

Mine would not pay during that time. We made it some how. Fortunately my medical insurance did cover EVERYTHING else so I can not complain about leave without pay.

WLS was excluded on my medical plan too but I was able to get short term disability because medical leave is medical leave. I'm guessing it would be the same for your plan.

Everything seems to be in alignment with this plan so I'm praying it's not excluded!  My husband's insurance rocks --- I'll take vacation if I have to so I guess I'll mark this off the worry list for now... NEXT!!!! lol

Thx for replying!